Russell gives baby update after engagement to long-time partner Carmen

The Mercedes driver took advantage of the summer break to propose to his girlfriend, with the couple now joining the list of F1 drivers who have either recently married or become engaged, including Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint Mleux.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Briton described the proposal as a particularly special moment, revealing that considerable thought went into planning it and designing the ring. Russell also admitted that despite expecting to be able to get his words out when the moment arrived, he suddenly became extremely nervous once he got down on one knee.

Russell initially joked that the engagement could perhaps make him a couple of tenths faster on track: "I hope it brings a couple of tenths. Even Lando will be getting engaged if it brings a couple of tenths."

He then struck a more serious tone, stressing the importance of having the right people alongside him given the hectic nature of life in Formula 1. Having been with Carmen for a long time, Russell explained that the engagement does not fundamentally change their relationship, as she has already been such an important part of his life, but instead represents the natural next step for the couple.

Asked by GPblog when the couple might have a child, Russell played down the prospect of it happening anytime soon, although he made clear that starting a family is something he sees in their future: "Not any time too soon, I don't think. Not that I'm aware of, but sometime in the future, for sure."