Russell delivers touching message ahead of long-awaited home return

12:05, 01 Jul

Updated: 13:18, 01 Jul

byTobia Elia

George Russell is set to compete in his seventh British Grand Prix at Silverstone, his fourth as a Mercedes driver, and hopes to claim his first victory in front of his home crowd.

The 2024 British Grand Prix was a bittersweet weekend for George Russell. The local hero had secured a brilliant pole position in front of his home crowd, right ahead of his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, in an all-Mercedes front row.

However, a technical issue on lap 34 ended his hopes of at least securing a podium, forcing him to retire, while his teammate went on to claim a historic victory.

George Russell

More than just a race for Russell

“It’s more than just a race,” the British driver commented ahead of his home Grand Prix, an event that is always deeply meaningful for British drivers.

“I was racing in the British Go-Kart championship that year, and we were invited to Silverstone to watch the race,” he then recalled, speaking about his memories connected to the Silverstone GP.

“I remember standing on the outside of Copse, which was the first corner on the previous layout. I remember seeing Sebastian [Vettel] on pole and watching all the cars light up the circuit on their way past. From that moment on, I knew that’s where I wanted to be in the future.”

“My first ever car race, my first ever car win, and my first time testing an F1 car all came at Silverstone, it holds such a special place in my heart''.

Speaking about the support he receives from his fans here, Russell added:“It is always one of the best supported races.''

“To the fans, it’s more than just a race, it’s a big festival and the circuit does such an amazing job – there are activities for kids, for adults, you have concerts and the track is such a good one to watch an F1 car at. It’s not just a fan favourite, it’s a driver favourite too.”

“The calendar has changed over the year, new tracks have joined the rota and some historic circuits have lost out, but Silverstone is going nowhere.

“Knowing that Silverstone stands firm on the calendar is a really special feeling. It’s one of the best Grand Prix for us drivers and for the fans watching trackside and on TV.”