George Russell has quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents in Formula 1. Born on February 15, 1998, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, Russell’s journey from karting prodigy to a key driver for Mercedes showcases his exceptional skill, determination, and resilience. Russell continues to make waves in the sport, driving alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli for Mercedes in the 2025 season.
Here are six fascinating facts about Russell that highlight his remarkable career and personality.
1. A dominant junior career with back-to-back championships
Russell’s ascent to Formula 1 was marked by an extraordinary record in junior racing categories. Before stepping into F1, Russell won the GP3 Series Championship in 2017 and the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2018, both in his rookie seasons. This rare feat of securing consecutive titles in his debut years in these highly competitive series underscores his natural talent and adaptability.
In 2017, racing for ART Grand Prix in GP3, Russell clinched the title with four victories, seven podiums, and four pole positions, wrapping up the championship with two races to spare. The following year, in Formula 2, he again dominated with ART, securing seven wins, five pole positions, and 11 podiums across 24 races.
2. The origins of his iconic number 63
Russell races under the number 63, a choice that holds deep personal significance. The number traces back to his karting days when his older brother, Benjy, used it during his own competitive karting career. Benjy, who won the 2007 Super 1 National Kart Championship in the Rotax Max category, rented a kart with the number 63, and it became a family symbol of racing heritage.
When George began his karting journey at age seven, he adopted the number as a tribute to his brother’s influence and success.
3. A breakthrough moment at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix
One of the defining moments of Russell’s early F1 career came at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, where he stepped in for Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes after the seven-time world champion tested positive for COVID-19. This opportunity allowed Russell to showcase his talent in a top-tier car, and he did not disappoint.
Qualifying just 0.026 seconds behind teammate Valtteri Bottas in second place, Russell demonstrated his raw pace. During the race, he took the lead and controlled the Grand Prix for 59 laps, displaying composure and skill far beyond his experience level at the time. However, a botched pit stop and a subsequent puncture denied him a maiden victory, and he ultimately finished ninth, scoring his first F1 points (three in total, including one for the fastest lap).
4. “Mr. Saturday”
Russell earned the nickname “Mr. Saturday” during his time at Williams (2019–2021), where he consistently extracted remarkable qualifying performances from an uncompetitive car. Despite Williams’ struggles, Russell’s single-lap pace was exceptional, often outshining expectations and his teammates. In 2019, he out-qualified teammate Robert Kubica 21-0, and in 2020, he reached Q2 nine times, again never being out-qualified by new teammate Nicholas Latifi.
His standout qualifying moment came at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where he qualified second in wet conditions, beating Lewis Hamilton and securing Williams’ first podium in years (albeit in a shortened race). This knack for delivering under pressure in qualifying sessions earned him widespread praise and highlighted his potential, even when race-day results were limited by the car’s performance. Since joining Mercedes in 2022, Russell has continued to shine in qualifying, securing pole positions like his first at the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, further solidifying his reputation as a qualifying expert.
5. First F1 win and leading Mercedes in 2022
Russell’s first Formula 1 victory came at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix, a significant milestone that showcased his growth as a driver. After joining Mercedes as a full-time driver in 2022, Russell faced the challenge of racing alongside Lewis Hamilton, one of the sport’s all-time greats. The 2022 season was difficult for Mercedes, with the team struggling to adapt to new aerodynamic regulations, but Russell’s consistency and adaptability shone through.
In São Paulo, he won the sprint race on Saturday and converted that into a Grand Prix victory on Sunday, leading a Mercedes 1-2 finish with Hamilton in second. This triumph was Mercedes’ only win of the 2022 season and marked Russell’s emergence as a race winner. Over the course of the year, he outperformed Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship, finishing fourth with 275 points to Hamilton’s sixth-place finish with 240 points.
6. A multi-faceted personality off the track
Beyond his racing prowess, Russell is known for his engaging personality and diverse interests. Standing at 6’1” (185 cm), he is one of the tallest drivers on the grid, requiring a unique seat setup in his F1 car. Off the track, Russell enjoys golf, a hobby that reflects his competitive nature, and he has expressed that he might have pursued a career as a professional golfer if he hadn’t become a racing driver. He is also a fan of the English football team Norwich City, showcasing his connection to his Norfolk roots.
Russell is an ambassador for the Malaria No More UK charity, highlighting his commitment to social causes. His personal mantra, “Every second counts,” is tattooed on his arm, reflecting his meticulous approach to both racing and life. Additionally, Russell is a skilled sim racer, having competed in virtual racing events during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he enjoys playing video games like FIFA with friends and fellow drivers. His close friendship with McLaren driver Lando Norris, forged during their karting days, adds a layer of camaraderie to his presence in the F1 paddock.