A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
George Russell has revealed how a conversation with tennis legend Novak Djokovic has shaped his approach to longevity in Formula 1.
Russell takes inspiration from Djokovic, Alonso and Schumacher
Speaking in Untapped, the Mercedes driver said Djokovic’s commitment to physical preparation in his 20's has had a lasting impact on the tennis champion's career.
“He said to me when he was in his 20s he felt that he could comfortably miss a day in the gym or a day here or a day there and it wouldn’t affect him, but he didn't,” Russell explained.
“He’s so grateful for that now because he thinks the work he put in during those years is allowing him to continue to play at such a high level into his late 30s.”
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George Russell finished at P3 in Hungary
Russell inspired by Alonso, Djokovic and Schumacher
Russell acknowledged that Formula 1 is less physically punishing than tennis, but believes the same principles apply.
“I want to be here in my 40's and when I see what Alonso’s doing, it gives me inspiration that I can do that,” he said.
“Someone told me this morning, Schumacher won his first title at Ferrari when he was 32 years old. I’m 27, so you think of Schumacher and Ferrari as just domination, but his first championship with Ferrari was in his 30's. So yeah, it’s quite interesting,” the Briton concluded.
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