George Russell Reconnects with History at the British Grand Prix
As Formula One celebrates its rich legacy, few moments capture the heart of the sport like George Russell taking the wheel of the 1955 British Grand Prix-winning Mercedes W196. Seventy years after Sir Stirling Moss triumphed at Aintree, George returned to the very same circuit to pay tribute—behind the wheel of the same car that made history.
A Legendary Drive, Revisited
It’s not every day you get to drive a piece of motorsport history. The Mercedes W196 is more than just an old F1 car—it’s a symbol of engineering excellence and racing heritage. For George, stepping into Moss’s shoes at Aintree was both a privilege and a powerful reminder of how far the sport has come.
“To drive that car, at that track, exactly 70 years on—it’s something I’ll never forget,” George said. “You feel the rawness, the bravery those drivers had back then. It makes you appreciate the evolution of Formula One and how much history runs through Mercedes’ DNA.”
Silverstone: Where It All Began
While Aintree holds historical significance, Silverstone is where George’s personal F1 dream started. Long before the pole positions and podiums, he was just an 11-year-old karting talent watching his heroes race from the sidelines.
“I was standing outside of Copse corner,” George remembers. “Watching those cars fly by, feeling the roar—it was magical. That was the moment I knew I wanted to be an F1 driver.”
Fast forward a few years, and George was making headlines at the very same track. His debut in British F4 saw him climb onto the Silverstone podium twice, marking the start of an impressive journey through motorsport’s junior ranks.
From British F4 to F3, GP3, and F2—Silverstone was the scene of many career-defining moments, including his first-ever car race, his first win, and his first F1 test. The connection runs deep.
A Home Grand Prix Like No Other
For George and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the British Grand Prix is more than just another race on the calendar. With the team’s headquarters in nearby Brackley, Silverstone is their true home ground.
“It’s such a special weekend,” George says. “You feel the energy from the crowd, the history in every corner. And for us, racing just down the road from our factory—it really does feel like home.”
In 2024, George captured pole position at Silverstone—a clear sign that his F1 story at the famous circuit is still being written. As he looks ahead to the 2025 race, expectations are high, both inside and outside the paddock.
Where History Meets the Future
Driving the W196 was a moment of reflection—but also motivation. While Moss etched his name into the history books in 1955, George is building his own legacy, one race at a time.
“The British Grand Prix has always been about more than just racing,” George says. “It’s a celebration of our motorsport culture, our fans, and our past. To be part of that story, and to hopefully inspire the next generation like I once was—that’s what makes Silverstone so special.”
