What does Russell think are the greatest moments of his F1 career?
F1 News
George Russell made his Formula 1 debut with the Williams team in 2019. That was four and a half years ago now. In 2022, the Briton made the switch to a top team, finally getting the Mercedes junior a seat with Toto Wolff's team. On Mercedes' YouTube channel, Russell goes through the highlights of his time in F1 so far.
Russell also experiences highlights at Williams
Russell ended up driving for Williams for three years, which he thought was too long. However, the now Mercedes driver did achieve a podium with the team, which was often in the rear of the field at the time. Officially, Russell took second place with Williams in the 'race' at Spa-Francorchamps in 2021.
"I think qualifying second for Williams was a pretty special moment for me in my career and what it meant at the time. That was the race after I signed the contract to race for Mercedes a year after. Kind of like, 'You know what, guys? You made the right decision here.' That was sort of a performance to sort of show that," said Russell in the video.
In one race earlier in 2021, Russell also achieved success with Williams, which the race winner also named a highlight. "Also, when I got my first point for Williams. I think for obviously the people who follow the sport closely, you understand how much that means for us to achieve that result. But you know, so much hard work, difficult moments that so many people who put their heart and soul into it to achieve something like that for us was a really big result."
Russell picks up first win at Mercedes
Of course, Russell has also experienced highlights at Mercedes, such as his first win and pole position in Formula 1. However, that is not the first thing the Briton talks about. "Maybe the race in Bahrain 2020 when I jumped in for Lewis when he was ill. That was also a really key moment in my career. I had an opportunity in what was, obviously, an incredible car, and that was a chance to show what I could do. And then, obviously, winning my first race last year."
That weekend in Bahrain, Russell qualified second, close behind teammate Valtteri Bottas in the dominant W11. At the start, the Briton already passed his teammate, and for a long time, Russell seemed to be on his way to victory in the race where he replaced Lewis Hamilton. However, things went wrong at a pit stop when Mercedes put Bottas' tyres on Russell's car, which is not allowed. Later, the Mercedes driver also suffered a puncture. In the end, Russell finished ninth in that race, but he had certainly shown his speed.