George Russell on Formula 1, Fashion and Freedom

Formula 1 has been experiencing a surge of interest, with new fans, new circuits and new markets. What do you think about this incredible rise in popularity and the impact that has on the sport?

It’s been exciting, and it feels very special to share the sport that I love with this new audience. Of course, we still have the hardcore motorsport fans who have been with us since day one. But now we are experiencing a new generation, a more diverse generation of fans. And that’s really great to see.

Motorsport and entertainment have always been inseparably linked in Formula 1. In that context, what makes the partnership between Mercedes-AMG F1 and Tommy Hilfiger so special?

I think Tommy Hilfiger and Mercedes have a lot in common. They’re both iconic brands with great values. They’re aspirational yet achievable. And I think what Tommy has done with his brand over the years, going from strength to strength, has been really spectacular. And now that Formula 1 is on a worldwide platform, the clothes we’re wearing are being taken note of.

What do you base that observation on?

People are suddenly interested in what we’re wearing when we arrive at the track. That brings a new audience. For me, personally, the partnership between Mercedes-AMG F1 and Tommy Hilfiger has opened my eyes to the impact that fashion and culture can have on one’s confidence and belief in oneself.

How so?

When you dress well, you feel good about yourself. You stand taller. And when you’re in such a performance-oriented business as ours, you need to arrive with confidence.

What helps you to project this kind of confidence? And how would you describe your personal style? What are its key elements?

I always try to go for a bit of a timeless look. Fast fashion isn’t really my thing. I have gone outside of my comfort zone at times to wear things that I wouldn’t ordinarily purchase, and I’ve really enjoyed doing that and experience a different side to myself when I do. But the classic, effortless, timeless look is what I tend to go for.

What you might call the classic British look?

Yeah, I think “classic British look” sums it up pretty well.

It’s like that in Formula 1, too, isn’t it? You seem in a very good place mentally at the moment. How important is mental strength for success in Formula 1?

Mental strength and resilience are arguably the biggest part of the game at the moment. Every driver in Formula 1 is capable of achieving great results and great laps. But when it comes down to that one lap in Q3 that can make or break your weekend or the race starts, it’s all about your mental strength. Dealing with the pressure, believing in yourself. Over the past three years, I’ve learned so much from being teammates with Louis Hamilton. He’s really kept me on my toes and has pushed me to be a better driver. Going up against the greatest driver of all time, with a guy who has the most wins, the most poles, I feel that right now I’m performing at a higher level than ever.

Your phenomenal double victory in Las Vegas – on Tommy Hilfiger’s home turf, so to speak – was a textbook demonstration of mental strength. How did you feel after your triumph in the U.S.?

Vegas was way up on my bucket list of races to win. Though the number one on that list, obviously, is to win my home race in Silverstone. Then comes Monte Carlo – and then Vegas. I mean, it’s Las Vegas, there’s really nothing more to say. Everybody was there: the sponsors, the celebrities. So to go out and put on a dominant performance, to get the one-two with Lewis – that was really, really special. And it gave us such a boost going into the final couple of races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The two races in the Middle East represent the end of a very exciting season. How do you look back on the 2024 season overall?

It’s no secret that the season has been very up and down for us as a team. Of course, I’m not satisfied if I’m not fighting for a world championship title. But as a driver, you’ve got to be rational about the situation. My job is to drive the car as fast as possible and to get the best results possible, whether that’s a victory or a fifth-place finish. I’m personally satisfied with the performances that I’ve achieved this season. Every time there was an opportunity for pole, we took pole. And whenever there was an opportunity for victory, we took the victory. As much as I’ve been dreaming of a world championship title, that wasn’t in our hands this year. Now we’re working as hard as possible to make that a chance for 2025.

You have a good two and a half months to do that after the final race in Abu Dhabi. Besides preparing for the next season, what are your plans for the winter break?

Firstly, just getting to spend time with my family, seeing my niece and nephews. You know, we may lead this amazing lifestyle as a racing driver, but you don’t see your family so often. That’s the biggest downside. So that’s something I’m going to cherish over the winter. And of course, I’m going to stay active and in shape. I’ll treat myself to a holiday at some point, but I’ve got nothing arranged in advance.

A nice change of pace compared to the rest of the year, where everything is all planned out?

Exactly! I like to be spontaneous. Even as a Formula 1 driver, freedom is the biggest luxury in life. And in these couple of weeks, I’m going to enjoy this feeling of freedom as much as I can.