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 made it clear that his role as a driver extends beyond simply racing. Highlighting his commitment as co-chair of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the Mercedes driver stressed that driver safety remains the cornerstone of his tenure, while also addressing the evolving relationship between the grid and the FIA.
George Russell has made it clear that his role as a driver extends beyond simply racing.
Speaking to Motorsport-Total.com, the Mercedes driver said: “I don't have the goal of leaving any legacy. That's not what I'm talking about."
"But if I see an opportunity to improve something, then I address it – especially when it comes to track or vehicle safety.”
Mercedes would have the strongest engine in '26
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'Russell opens up on Grosjean incident'
Russell recalled how several harrowing incidents have shaped his perspective, from Billy Monger’s accident in 2017 and Anthoine Hubert’s fatal crash in 2019, to Romain Grosjean’s fiery Bahrain shunt in 2020.
“I drove past him and only saw flames in the rear-view mirror… it can happen to anyone, even the world’s best driver.”
'F1 drivers more united than ever before, but not against the FIA or F1'
The Briton says today’s F1 grid is “closer and more united than ever”, citing the GPDA’s open letter to the FIA calling for greater respect and a voice in decision-making.
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While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem initially dismissed the request, Russell insists the goal is collaboration.
“We don't want to fight against the FIA. We don't want to fight Formula 1. We want to work with both of them so that they achieve the best – and so do we as drivers.”
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