Even in the ultra-professional world of Formula 1, there is room for lighter moments—but humor doesn’t always land the same way with everyone. George Russell recently shared a story about a prank that took place in the Mercedes offices in Brackley, giving fans a glimpse of Lewis Hamilton’s more human and slightly sensitive side.
“Evan, one of our engineers, printed a photo of me and Lewis from when I was about ten years old,” explained the British driver, adding: “Not just one copy—he printed thirty and put them up everywhere.” While Russell found the joke brilliant and hilarious, the reaction of his former teammate and childhood idol was very different.
A matter of style (and pride)
“I think Lewis was more annoyed than I was,” Russell admitted with a laugh. The reason? Not the prank itself, but the photo. “It was before Lewis’s current fashion sense, and I don’t think he liked it.” This anecdote highlights a key trait of Lewis Hamilton: his attention to public image and personal style. Despite moments like this and an increasingly competitive relationship on track, the bond between Russell and Hamilton has remained strong. “Being teammates was never difficult—it was actually enjoyable,” Hamilton commented in 2022, praising Russell’s positive impact on the team before Hamilton moved to Ferrari.
From Sakhir to a mental breakthrough
For George Russell, the real turning point in his career came far away from office pranks, at the Sakhir Grand Prix. Called in at the last minute to replace Lewis Hamilton, the young Englishman realized he could compete at the top level. “That was the moment I thought: I can do this,” George Russell reflected. The race itself ended in ninth place due to mistakes and bad luck, but it was crucial for his personal and professional growth. “It was painful, but my life today hasn’t changed because of that missed victory.” A statement that tells more about a driver’s mindset than any statistic could.
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