George Russell (racing driver)

George Russell was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk,{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Molly |date=2024-11-30 |title=George Russell: I'm ready to fight Max Verstappen and take his title |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/formula-one/article/george-russell-im-ready-to-fight-against-max-and-win-the-title-bf0g22p3w |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=The Times |language=en}} to father Steve and mother Alison.{{Cite web|date=12 October 2018|title=Russell parents joy at Formula One deal|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/russell-parents-joy-formula-one-deal|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Morning Star|archive-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012202452/https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/russell-parents-joy-formula-one-deal|url-status=live}} His father managed a business selling seeds and pulses, which he sold in 2012 to fund his son's junior racing career.{{Cite web |title=Farming News - Gleadell and Dunns announce merger |url=https://farming.co.uk/news/gleadell-and-dunns-announce-merger |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=farming.co.uk}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2022/11/19/george-russells-rise-f1-stardom-told-know-best/ |url-access=registration |title=George Russell's rise to F1 stardom – told by those that know him best |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=19 November 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=3 May 2025 |issn=0307-1235 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521044534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2022/11/19/george-russells-rise-f1-stardom-told-know-best/ |archive-date=21 May 2024 |url-status=live}} Russell is the youngest of three siblings, including sister Cara and brother Benjy.{{Cite web|title=F1: Beyond The Grid on Apple Podcasts|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f1-beyond-the-grid/id1405972616|access-date=30 July 2020|website=Apple Podcasts|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218081218/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f1-beyond-the-grid/id1405972616|url-status=live}} He grew up in Tydd St Giles/Wisbech and Castle Rising.{{Cite web |title="Winning my first race was a lifelong dream of mine… |url=https://www.klmagazine.co.uk/articles/georgerussell |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=KL Magazine}}

Russell took up karting at the age of 7, following his brother Benjy, a competitive karter who won the 2007 Super 1 National Kart Championship in the Rotax Max category.{{Cite web |title=Driver: Benjy Russell {{!}} Driver Database |url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/benjy-russell |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.driverdb.com}} Russell picked up his number 63 from the kart his brother rented at the time.{{cite web|last=Bart-Williams|first=Nadim|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.from-childhood-number-plates-to-karting-titles-why-each-driver-picked-their.49DqOwhvza1RRvE2Rgi1so.html|title=From childhood number plates to football heroes – Why each driver picked their F1 race number|website=formula1.com|date=8 February 2023|accessdate=8 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208184047/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.from-childhood-number-plates-to-karting-titles-why-each-driver-picked-their.49DqOwhvza1RRvE2Rgi1so.html|url-status=live}}

Russell attended Wisbech Grammar School, but shifted to homeschooling so that he could devote more time to his racing career.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Jonathan |date=2020 |title=George Russell needs to get himself a hobby |url=https://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/article/george-russell-formula-one-racing-driver-interview-williams-mercedes/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Gentleman's Journal}}{{cite web |author=Chris Bishop |date=17 March 2019 |title=On eve of his first Grand Prix, Norfolk's F1 hope vows 'I want to be world champion' |url=https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/norfolk-george-russell-eyes-f1-world-title-1-5939919 |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=Eastern Daily Press}} At 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to his junior racing team.{{Cite web |last=Burnett |first=Tom |date=2021-01-12 |title=George Russell's F1 Williams to Mercedes move and his championship hopes |url=https://www.buckinghamshirelive.com/sport/formula-1/f1-george-russell-williams-mercedes-4878398 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Buckinghamshire Live}}{{Cite web |title=Alex Albon on his year on the sidelines, how Red Bull helped him get back on the grid, and the next chapter with Williams {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/alex-albon-on-his-year-on-the-sidelines-how-red-bull-helped-him-get-back-on.52fTxzftrNFBlEJuk0wE1c |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}}

Russell began karting in 2006 and progressed to the cadet class by 2009, becoming MSA British champion and British Open champion. In 2010 he moved to the Rotax Mini Max category where he became Super One British champion, Formula Kart Stars British champion, and also won the Kartmasters British Grand Prix.

Russell graduated to the KF3 class in 2011. He joined the Intrepid karting team with help from Intrepid's Alex Albon;{{Cite web |last=Williams-Smith |first=Jake |date=2022-01-13 |title=George Russell: Turning down Toto Wolff and secret DTM test led me to Mercedes F1 drive |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/george-russell-turning-down-toto-wolff-and-secret-dtm-test-led-me-to-mercedes-f1-drive/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}} his teammates that year included Albon and Charles Leclerc. Russell became CIK-FIA European Champion and won the SKUSA SuperNationals title, while Leclerc won the Karting World Cup.{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-11-30 |title=George Russell loses out on historic SKUSA title double |url=https://www.racecar.com/news/54018/motorsport/george-russell-loses-out-on-historic-skusa-title-double |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Racecar |language=en}} In 2012, Russell defended his European title{{cite news|title=CIK-FIA European KF3 Championship 2012 standings|work=driverdb.com|publisher=Driver Database|url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/european-championship---kf3/2012/|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171519/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/european-championship---kf3/2012/|url-status=live}} and nearly defended his SKUSA title following Lance Stroll's disqualification, although Stroll's win was ultimately reinstated. In his final year of karting in 2013,{{cite news|url=http://www.formula4.com/drivers/2014-drivers/george-russell.aspx|title=Driver: George Russell|work=BRDC Formula 4 Championship|publisher=British Racing Drivers' Club|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141208225452/http://www.formula4.com/drivers/2014-drivers/george-russell.aspx|url-status=dead}} Russell moved up to KF1, finishing 19th in the CIK-FIA World Championship.{{Cite web |title=2013 CIK-FIA World KF Championship Standings |url=https://www.fiakarting.com/championship-standings/2013-cik-fia-world-kf-championship-standings |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=FIA Karting}}

In 2014, Russell made his single-seater debut, simultaneously competing in BRDC Formula 4 (Lanan Racing){{cite news|url=http://www.formula4.com/news/multiple-karting-champion-george-russell-joins-f4-with-lanan-racing.aspx|title=Multiple Karting champion George Russell joins F4 with Lanan|work=BRDC Formula 4 Championship|publisher=British Racing Drivers' Club|date=6 December 2013|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=14 January 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140114180318/http://www.formula4.com/news/multiple-karting-champion-george-russell-joins-f4-with-lanan-racing.aspx|url-status=dead}} and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps (Koiranen GP).{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=1 April 2014 |title=Russell and Tang set to move teams ahead of Alps opener |url=http://www.paddockscout.com/russell-and-tang-set-to-move-teams-ahead-of-alps-opener/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829124638/http://www.paddockscout.com/russell-and-tang-set-to-move-teams-ahead-of-alps-opener |archive-date=29 August 2018 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=paddockscout.com |publisher=Paddock Scout}} He led most of the BRDC F4 season, but lost the points lead to teammate Arjun Maini before the final race at Snetterton,{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2014-12-17 |title=PaddockScout Top 50 Drivers of 2014: 30-21 |url=https://formulascout.com/paddockscout-top-50-drivers-of-2014-30-21/23276 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} which Formula Scout attributed to a mid-season case of chickenpox.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2020-06-27 |title=When Leclerc, Russell and Albon stood out in F3 |url=https://formulascout.com/when-leclerc-russell-and-albon-stood-out-in-f3/63527 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} He won that race to claim the title.{{cite news |date=26 October 2014 |title=Race Three Title Permutations |url=http://www.formula4.com/news/race-three-title-permutations.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141208225441/http://www.formula4.com/news/race-three-title-permutations.aspx |archive-date=8 December 2014 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=BRDC Formula 4 Championship |publisher=British Racing Drivers' Club}}{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=26 October 2014 |title=George Russell wins BRDC F4 title decider to steal crown |url=http://www.paddockscout.com/george-russell-wins-brdc-f4-title-decider-to-steal-crown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125204203/http://www.paddockscout.com/george-russell-wins-brdc-f4-title-decider-to-steal-crown |archive-date=25 November 2018 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=paddockscout.com |publisher=Paddock Scout}} As a reward, he was granted a GP3 test at Yas Marina.{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=27 November 2014 |title=Ceccon leads Jones and Russell as GP3 test begins |url=http://www.paddockscout.com/ceccon-leads-jones-and-russell-as-gp3-test-begins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005122/http://www.paddockscout.com/ceccon-leads-jones-and-russell-as-gp3-test-begins |archive-date=1 December 2018 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=paddockscout.com |publisher=Paddock Scout}}

Russell had a more difficult season in Formula Renault 2.0. Although he was initially supposed to race for Prema, Lance Stroll's father (Prema's part-owner and main funder) vetoed Russell from the team,{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2022-11-15 |title=Two weeks in 2014 that made Russell's entire career |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/two-weeks-in-2014-that-made-russells-entire-career/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=The Race}}{{Cite news |last=Simmons |first=Marcus |date=2020-06-23 |title=George Russell's top 10 drives ranked |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/george-russells-top-10-drives-ranked-4981730/4981730/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=Autosport}} even though Stroll was racing in Italian F4 and not Formula Renault. Russell found a landing spot with Koiranen, which dominated the season, scoring 423 points to Prema's 61. However, Russell was outshone by his Koiranen teammate Nyck de Vries (three years his elder), who won nine out of twelve races.{{cite news |title=Formula Renault 2.0 Alps 2014 standings |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-alps/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510191528/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-renault-20-alps/2014/ |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=driverdb.com |publisher=Driver Database}} Looking back, Russell said that Tech 1 Racing (his other option to replace Prema) would have been a better fit, but strongly praised de Vries, remarking that he "was always one of the very best,"{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |title=Nyck de Vries' long road to an F1 driver's seat — and his own definition of success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4628486/2023/06/22/nyck-de-vries-f1-alpha-tauri/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and that especially "in go-karting, he was the man to beat."{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-10-16 |title=Russell: De Vries Deserved to Have 'Stars Align' for F1 Entry |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-de-vries-deserved-to-have-stars-align-for-f1-entry/10385197/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=Motorsport.com}} Russell also raced as a guest in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, winning one race at Jerez with Tech 1.{{cite news |last=Khorounzhiy |first=Valentin |date=19 October 2014 |title=Guest driver George Russell delivers Tech 1's first Eurocup win of 2014 |url=http://www.paddockscout.com/guest-driver-george-russell-delivers-tech-1s-first-eurocup-win-of-2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013053827/http://www.paddockscout.com/guest-driver-george-russell-delivers-tech-1s-first-eurocup-win-of-2014 |archive-date=13 October 2018 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=paddockscout.com |publisher=Paddock Scout}}

At the end of the season, Russell won the Autosport BRDC Award after successfully testing Formula Two, DTM, and GT3 cars.{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |date=7 December 2014 |title=George Russell wins 2014 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117079 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212734/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117079 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=8 December 2014 |work=Autosport |publisher=Haymarket Publications}} At seventeen, he was the youngest-ever winner of the award; the BRDC lowered the entry age to accommodate him. He was also selected for the BRDC's SuperStars junior driver mentorship programme, where he was once again the youngest-ever selection.{{cite news |date=23 February 2015 |title=BRDC announces 2015 SuperStars |url=http://www.brdc.co.uk/BRDC-Announces-2015-SuperStars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016165115/http://www.brdc.co.uk/BRDC-Announces-2015-SuperStars |archive-date=16 October 2018 |access-date=8 April 2015 |work=brdc.co.uk |publisher=British Racing Drivers' Club |quote=I am particularly delighted to announce five new SuperStars this year and welcome our youngest ever recruit George Russell to the programme...}}

File:George Russell, Formel 3 2015 (cropped).JPG during the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship]]

Although Russell was expected to spend 2015 competing full-time in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, his BRDC Award win prompted him to skip directly to European Formula Three,{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2015-04-09 |title=2015 FIA F3 European Championship driver-by-driver preview |url=https://formulascout.com/2015-fia-f3-european-championship-driver-by-driver-preview/26041 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} where he spent the next two years.

In 2015, Russell drove for Carlin, a Volkswagen affiliate.{{cite news|title=McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner Russell seals European F3 deal|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117324|first=Marcus|last=Simmons|work=Autosport|publisher=Haymarket Publications|date=9 January 2015|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213317/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117324|url-status=live}} He finished sixth,{{cite news |title=FIA Formula 3 European Championship 2015 standings |work=driverdb.com |publisher=Driver Database |url=https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-europe/2015/ |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-date=5 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705080438/https://www.driverdb.com/championships/standings/formula-3-europe/2015/ |url-status=live}} winning one race{{cite news|title=George Russell claims victory in second Formula 3 start|url=http://www.paddockscout.com/george-russell-claims-victory-in-second-formula-3-start/26323|first=Peter|last=Allen|work=paddockscout.com|publisher=Paddock Scout|date=11 April 2015|access-date=11 April 2015|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127152001/http://www.paddockscout.com/george-russell-claims-victory-in-second-formula-3-start/26323|url-status=live}} and collecting three podiums; PaddockScout opined that his qualifying pace was "his one obvious weak-spot,"{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2015-11-17 |title=2015 FIA F3 European Championship season review |url=https://formulascout.com/2015-fia-f3-european-championship-season-review/31898 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} and that he primarily stood out for his race pace and ability to cleanly overtake other drivers. He was second in the Rookies' Championship, behind Charles Leclerc,{{cite news|title=Rookie George Russell's debut in a Formula 1 car |url=http://www.fiaf3europe.com/en/news/Rookie-George-Russells-debut-in-a-Formula-1-car.html |work=fiaf3europe.com |publisher=European Formula 3 Championship |date=23 October 2015 |access-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119063603/http://www.fiaf3europe.com/en/news/Rookie-George-Russells-debut-in-a-Formula-1-car.html |archive-date=19 November 2015 }} although fellow rookie Lance Stroll finished above him in the overall classification (the Rookies' Championship re-scores each race to remove non-rookies). He also finished second at the 2015 Masters of Formula 3 exhibition race, behind Antonio Giovinazzi.{{cite news |title=Giovinazzi seals Masters of F3 title with dominant victory |url=http://www.paddockscout.com/giovinazzi-seals-masters-of-f3-title-with-dominant-victory/30852 |first=Gruz |last=David |work=paddockscout.com |publisher=Paddock Scout |date=20 September 2015 |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130202207/http://www.paddockscout.com/giovinazzi-seals-masters-of-f3-title-with-dominant-victory/30852 |url-status=live}}

In 2016, Russell switched to Hitech GP, a new Mercedes affiliate which was competing in its first full European Formula Three season. That year, Prema allegedly received special engines from Mercedes{{Cite web |last=Chachra |first=Tanish |date=2023-04-16 |title='It's Not a Fair Fight': George Russell Once Got Irked With Mercedes Helping Lance Stroll |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-its-not-a-fair-fight-george-russell-once-got-irked-with-mercedes-helping-lance-stroll/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=The Sports Rush}} and technical support (including a suspension upgrade) from Williams.{{Cite news |last=Simmons |first=Marcus |date=2016-07-16 |title=Prema plays down Williams F1 team's involvement in F3 project |url=https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/prema-plays-down-williams-f1-teams-involvement-in-f3-project-5040668/5040668/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241201194329/https://www.autosport.com/fia-f3/news/prema-plays-down-williams-f1-teams-involvement-in-f3-project-5040668/5040668/ |archive-date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2024-12-23 |language=en}} Stroll (whose family was funding Prema{{Cite web |date=2016-11-04 |title=Report: Lance Stroll's father spent $80 million to get son Williams F1 seat |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a1857276/report-lance-strolls-father-spent-80-million-get-son-f1-seat/ |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Autoweek}}) cruised to the title, with Russell finishing third, behind Prema drivers Stroll and Maximilian Günther.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2018-11-28 |title=How George Russell developed to become Williams' ideal driver |url=https://formulascout.com/how-george-russell-developed-to-become-williams-ideal-driver/46493 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} Nonetheless, Mercedes was impressed by Russell's performances and signed him to its driver academy at the end of the season.{{Cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |date=2019-08-28 |title=The F1 lessons George Russell took from 'almost laughable' F3 year |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-f1-lessons-george-russell-took-from-almost-laughable-f3-year-4989545/4989545/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=Autosport}} After making it to Formula One, Russell questioned the fairness of the 2016 competition, stating that it was "almost laughable to see ... how wrong that championship was."

{{Quote box

| quote = I had other F1 teams speak to me before Mercedes ... and it felt like they didn't even care. Because in this time, junior programs were not a thing. I think McLaren had one driver, Mercedes had one driver, Ferrari had ... maybe Jules Bianchi, but he was already in Formula One. And Red Bull had, of course, maybe five or six. ... So, I just thought, you know, "I need to do something that ... will be memorable."

| author = Russell recalling his Mercedes PowerPoint presentation{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d53jwQHc4Yg |title=Taylor Swift concerts, Kimi's maths homework and George's PowerPoint {{!}} TeamMates Ep 3 |date=2025-05-08 |last=Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team |access-date=2025-05-08 |via=YouTube}}

| align = right

| width = 300px

}}

As Russell advanced through the junior pyramid, the costs of racing grew significantly. He estimated that it cost "£50K a year if you want to compete, £200K if you want to win."{{Cite web |last=White |first=Sam |date=2022-03-21 |title=Can anyone stop George Russell? Formula 1's wonderkid won't settle for second best |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/sport/article/george-russell-interview |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=British GQ}} Steve Russell spent roughly £1.5m to fund his son's junior career.{{Cite web |last=Meade |first=Samuel |date=2025-05-04 |title=George Russell's dad paid £1.5m to fund his career - but there was a catch |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/george-russells-dad-paid-15m-31570543 |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Edinburgh Live |language=en}} When Russell was sixteen, his father explained that he could not keep on funding him and that Russell needed to find a junior driver programme.

Russell reached out to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff for a spot on the Mercedes Junior Team. He impressed Wolff with a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation explaining why Wolff should sign him.{{cite web |date=19 January 2017 |title=British racing driver George Russell added to Mercedes' junior programme |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/18508537/british-racing-driver-george-russell-added-mercedes-junior-programme |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000504/http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/18508537/british-racing-driver-george-russell-added-mercedes-junior-programme |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017 |website=ESPN}} Wolff offered to fund his 2015 European Formula Three season, but since Russell had already been vetoed from Prema, Mercedes' top F3 affiliate, Russell chose Volkswagen, which did not have a Formula One team at the time. At season's end, BMW offered him a DTM drive, but he chose to stay in F3 to compete for a Mercedes junior role. In 2016, he switched to a Mercedes-powered F3 team, and Wolff agreed to try him out as a simulator driver.{{cite web |last=Velasco |first=Paul |date=12 March 2022 |title=Russell: In 2016 I was quite sure my F1 dream was over |url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/03/12/russell-in-2016-i-was-quite-sure-my-f1-dream-was-over/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201151/https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/03/12/russell-in-2016-i-was-quite-sure-my-f1-dream-was-over/ |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=grandprix247.com}}

In early 2017, Russell officially joined the Mercedes Junior Team.{{cite news |date=19 January 2017 |title=George Russell: World champions Mercedes sign teenager from King's Lynn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38679732 |access-date=19 January 2021 |work=BBC Sport}} Wolff "set hard targets" for Russell, asking him to win the GP3 and Formula 2 titles before progressing to Formula One.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-14 |title='We've always set hard targets' – Wolff on Russell's rise from PowerPoint presentation to Grand Prix winner {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/weve-always-set-hard-targets-wolff-on-russells-rise-from-powerpoint.6wTzk7i9jneeTTrovaqVs7 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}}

File:George Russell on 26 August 2017 at Spa-Francorchamps.jpg

With financial help from Mercedes, Russell secured a drive with ART Grand Prix for the 2017 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gp3series.com/News/2017/01_January/George-Russell-to-race-with-ART-Grand-Prix-in-2017/|title=George Russell to race with ART Grand Prix in 2017|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017|archive-date=23 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223214626/http://www.gp3series.com/News/2017/01_January/George-Russell-to-race-with-ART-Grand-Prix-in-2017/|url-status=live}} ART was GP3's dominant team, having won six of the last seven team titles. In 2017, it swept the top four places in the standings.{{Cite web |last=Hewitt |first=Chloe |date=2017-12-11 |title=Season Review: 2017 GP3 Series - Russell Reigns Supreme |url=https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2017/12/season-review-2017-gp3-series-russell-reigns-supreme/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Checkered Flag |language=en-GB}}

Russell won the title as a rookie,{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=2017-10-08 |title=Mercedes junior Russell takes GP3 title |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/20953371/mercedes-junior-george-russell-takes-gp3-title |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=ESPN |language=en}} scoring four wins and finishing 79 points ahead of the second-placed Jack Aitken.{{Cite news |last=Khorounzhiy |first=Valentin |date=2018-01-18 |title=Mercedes F1 protege and GP3 champion Russell gets 2018 ART F2 seat |url=https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/mercedes-f1-protege-and-gp3-champion-russell-gets-2018-art-f2-seat-4987293/4987293/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241219093155/https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/mercedes-f1-protege-and-gp3-champion-russell-gets-2018-art-f2-seat-4987293/4987293/ |archive-date=2024-12-19 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=Autosport |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Anna |date=2024-11-11 |title=IN NUMBERS: How Kick Sauber signing Gabriel Bortoleto's F2 and F3 career compares to Leclerc, Russell and Piastri {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/in-numbers-how-kick-sauber-signing-bortoletos-f2-and-f3-career-compares-to.2mA0DFlYBjsD1I9XFmfMok |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} He locked up the title with two races to go. Notable races included a dominant performance at Spa-Francorchamps (a win, a second place, two poles, and two fastest laps){{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/gp3/news/131445/russell-takes-third-win-leading-an-art-123|title=Spa GP3: Mercedes junior George Russell leads ART 1–2–3 to victory|last=Kalinaukas|first=Alex|work=Autosport.com|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928161253/https://www.autosport.com/gp3/news/131445/russell-takes-third-win-leading-an-art-123|url-status=live}} and a close three-way battle at Monza.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/gp3/news/131614/russell-wins-monza-gp3-thriller|title=Mercedes F1's George Russell wins thrilling Monza GP3 race|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|work=Autosport.com|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=31 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002452/https://www.autosport.com/gp3/news/131614/russell-wins-monza-gp3-thriller|url-status=live}}

File:FIA F2 Austria 2018 podium national anthems.jpg (left) and Antonio Fuoco (right) after winning the 2018 Spielberg Formula 2 round]]

File:George Russell, ART Grand Prix F2 Team (42837176685).jpg]]

ART promoted Russell to its Formula Two team for the 2018 season.{{Cite news |last=Khorounzhiy |first=Valentin |date=2018-01-18 |title=Mercedes F1 protege and GP3 champion Russell gets 2018 ART F2 seat |url=https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/mercedes-f1-protege-and-gp3-champion-russell-gets-2018-art-f2-seat-4987293/4987293/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |work=Autosport}} In addition, Mercedes promoted Russell to first-team reserve driver, sharing duties with Pascal Wehrlein.{{Cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |title=Wehrlein, Russell to share Mercedes F1 reserve driver role in 2018 |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134490/wehrlein-russell-to-share-mercedes-reserve-role |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171351/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/134490/wehrlein-russell-to-share-mercedes-reserve-role |archive-date=23 February 2018 |access-date=27 June 2018 |work=Autosport.com}} The 2018 F2 grid was "possibly the strongest field of the [] decade",{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2023-11-26 |title=Every GP2/F2 champion ranked |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/every-gp2-f2-champion-ranked/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Race}} and featured several future F1 racers, including Lando Norris, Alex Albon, Nyck de Vries, and Nicholas Latifi.{{Cite web |title=Driver Standings for the FIA Formula 2 2018 Championship |url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Standings/Driver?seasonId=175 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website |language=en}}

ART did not carry over its lopsided dominance from the prior year's F3 season, as Norris' Carlin took the teams' championship.{{Cite web |title=2018 FIA F2 Standings and Results in Motorsport |url=https://www.autosport.com/formula2/standings/2018/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Autosport}} Although Formula Two is a spec series and every engine is built by the same company,{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |title=How Formula 2 became the launchpad for F1's next generation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4610017/2023/06/15/formula-2-formula-1-drivers-development-differences/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=The New York Times |date=23 July 2023 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Russell, Albon, and Norris agreed that in practice, teams had engines of varying quality. Albon and Norris said that Russell had the best engine that year, while Russell and Albon said that Norris' engine was very competitive early in the season.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89-GJHoqtiQ |title=Rookies Reunited {{!}} Catching Up With George, Lando and Alex! |date=2023-09-30 |last=FORMULA 1 |access-date=2025-03-05 |via=YouTube}} (0:35-1:12) After ten races, Norris led the standings.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2019-12-30 |title=Formula Scout Review of the 2010s Part 2: 2015 - 2019 |url=https://formulascout.com/formula-scout-review-of-the-2010s-part-2-2015-2019/58148 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} Russell heated up at midseason, finishing either first or second in five out of six races. He qualified in the top four at all but one race (where he had engine trouble). He won the title, finishing 68 points ahead of the second-placed Norris.{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2018-12-23 |title=The top 10 Formula 2 drivers of 2018 |url=https://formulascout.com/the-top-10-formula-2-drivers-of-2018/46878 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}}

With his title, Russell became the fifth rookie champion of the GP2/F2 category (previously achieved by Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hülkenberg, and Charles Leclerc), the fourth driver to win the GP3/F3 and GP2/F2 titles in consecutive seasons (after Hamilton, Hülkenberg and Leclerc), and the second driver to win both of these titles as a rookie (after Leclerc). Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto subsequently matched each of these feats.{{Cite web |title=Thoughts of a Champion – Gabriel Bortoleto |url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/5nmZgnPCjeSEnjCUPKS99d/thoughts-of-a-champion-gabriel-bortoleto |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website}}

In October 2015, Russell drove a Formula One car for the first time, when he tested the McLaren MP4-26 at Silverstone as a prize for winning the 2014 Autosport BRDC Award.{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Kevin |date=22 October 2015 |title=McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner Russell completes prize F1 test |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-autosport-brdc-award-winner-russell-completes-prize-f1-test-4998645/4998645/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201150/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-autosport-brdc-award-winner-russell-completes-prize-f1-test-4998645/4998645/ |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=autosport.com}} After he joined the Mercedes Junior Team, Mercedes gave him more testing opportunities. He drove a Mercedes for the first time in April 2017, testing the 2015 Mercedes W06 at Portimão.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-06-24 |title=Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport – George Russell to test W08 in Budapest |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/george-russell-to-test-w08-in-budapest/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523211052/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/george-russell-to-test-w08-in-budapest/ |archive-date=23 May 2019 |access-date=2 August 2017 |website=Mercedes AMG F1}} He then conducted formal test drives for Mercedes (2017 and 2018){{cite web |last=Edmondson |first=Laurence |date=1 August 2018 |title=George Russell puts Mercedes on top on final day of Hungaroring test |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/24255335/george-russell-puts-mercedes-top-final-day-hungaroring-test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201148/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/24255335/george-russell-puts-mercedes-top-final-day-hungaroring-test |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=espn.co.uk}} and Force India-Mercedes (2018).{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=2018-12-11 |title=F1 Testing: Max Verstappen sets Barcelona pace for Red Bull |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11372420/f1-testing-max-verstappen-sets-pace-mercedes-light-up-barcelona |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}

Russell made his Grand Prix weekend debut at the end of the 2017 season, driving for Force India during free practice at the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.{{Cite news |date=7 November 2017 |title=British driver George Russell to debut for Force India in Brazilian Grand Prix practice |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41907080 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405042636/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/41907080 |archive-date=5 April 2019 |access-date=8 November 2017 |work=BBC Sport}} Mercedes promoted him to first-team reserve driver in 2018.{{cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=22 February 2018 |title=Wehrlein, Russell to split Mercedes F1 reserve duties in 2018 |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/889928/1/wehrlein-russell-split-mercedes-f1-reserve-duties-2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201149/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/889928/1/wehrlein-russell-split-mercedes-f1-reserve-duties-2018 |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=crash.net}}

In October 2018, Mercedes arranged for Russell to make his Formula One debut with engine customer Williams-Mercedes.{{Cite web |title=Williams sign Mercedes junior Russell on multi-year deal |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.williams-sign-mercedes-junior-russell-on-multi-year-deal.20FsNkLv60MCmc0IGUkEc4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718133634/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.williams-sign-mercedes-junior-russell-on-multi-year-deal.20FsNkLv60MCmc0IGUkEc4.html |archive-date=18 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Formula1.com}} Russell had previously applied for a Williams drive after winning the 2017 GP3 title, but Williams' Paddy Lowe was unmoved by his new PowerPoint presentation and Russell went to Formula 2.{{Cite web |last=Hudson |first=Henry |date=2023-08-10 |title=Leclerc, Norris and Russell: rise of F1's 'golden generation' profiled in new bios |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/leclerc-norris-and-russell-rise-of-f1s-golden-generation-profiled-in-new-bios/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}} Russell signed a three-year contract with Williams{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=Russell admits that three years with Williams was 'too long' – but says there was 'no way out' {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-admits-that-three-years-with-williams-was-too-long-there-was-no-way.784NYfK7ijIOTap4tvZ4Yu |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}} but remained a Mercedes test driver.{{cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=4 December 2019 |title=F1 Testing: George Russell fastest for Mercedes on 2019's final day |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11877971/f1-testing-george-russell-fastest-for-mercedes-on-2019s-final-day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114222625/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11877971/f1-testing-george-russell-fastest-for-mercedes-on-2019s-final-day |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=skysports.com}}{{cite web |date=2 August 2021 |title=Russell to drive for Mercedes in this week's 2022 tyre test in Hungary |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-to-drive-for-mercedes-in-this-weeks-2022-tyre-test-in-hungary.20GgIeVh7gtJT5JJhcUkUR.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117191950/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-to-drive-for-mercedes-in-this-weeks-2022-tyre-test-in-hungary.20GgIeVh7gtJT5JJhcUkUR.html |archive-date=17 November 2022 |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=Formula1.com}} He was partnered by Robert Kubica for the 2019 season{{Cite news |date=22 November 2018 |title=Robert Kubica: Polish driver to make F1 comeback with Williams in 2019 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46300009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122094105/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/46300009 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |access-date=22 November 2018 |work=BBC Sport}} and Nicholas Latifi in 2020 and 2021.{{Cite web |title=Russell and Latifi to stay on at Williams in unchanged 2021 driver line-up |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html |access-date=16 July 2020 |website=formula1.com |date=16 July 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919002445/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-latifi-to-stay-on-at-williams-in-unchanged-2021-driver-line-up.2buMT250BE0Ef8Q2bUBDFE.html |url-status=live}} His first appearance for Williams was at the 2018 post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit, driving the FW41.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=27 November 2018 |title=George Russell pleased with 'very positive' first Williams F1 test |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/911329/1/russell-pleased-very-positive-first-williams-f1-test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127161037/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/911329/1/russell-pleased-very-positive-first-williams-f1-test |archive-date=27 November 2018 |accessdate=14 November 2018 |website=crash.net}}

Russell's years at Williams were difficult. Mercedes had hoped that Williams would field a competitive car; as Russell later noted, Williams had finished no worse than fifth in the constructors' standings from {{F1|2015}} to {{F1|2017}}. However, when Russell joined Williams, the team was well behind the rest of the field{{Cite web |date=March 2019 |title=Russell accepts Williams slowest despite 'big step' |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-williams-slowest/4345758/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132131/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-williams-slowest/4345758/ |archive-date=18 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Motorsport.com}} and did not produce a car that could reliably compete for points until 2021, Russell's final year with the team. The team was so strapped for cash that it considered replacing Russell with Kevin Magnussen after the 2020 season if Magnussen could find enough sponsor money to keep the team afloat.{{Cite web |last=Gamble |first=Andrew |date=2021-11-06 |title=Williams held talks over axing George Russell before Mercedes move |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1517363/Williams-George-Russell-Mercedes |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Express.co.uk}}

Due to Russell's extended run at Williams, he is third on the list of most race starts in a career before scoring points, with 37. However, the Formula One team principals viewed his performances more favorably. In 2020, a year where Russell scored only three points and finished 18th in the standings,{{Cite web |title=2020 Driver Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2020/drivers |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} the team principals ranked him that year's sixth-best driver.{{Cite web |title=REVEALED: F1's team bosses choose their Top 10 drivers of 2020 {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/revealed-f1s-team-bosses-choose-their-top-10-drivers-of-2020.2z5yo7av41tQC3MrzeFNa3 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}} In addition, Russell led Williams back to respectability in 2021, scoring 16 points and recording a rare podium for Williams.{{Cite web |title=2021 Driver Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2021/drivers |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}}

File:George Russell Mugello 2020, race day.jpg, where he finished 11th]]

In 2019, Williams struggled for form. At Russell's Formula One race debut, the {{F1 GP|2019|Australian}}, Russell qualified 19th and finished 16th.{{Cite web |date=17 March 2019 |title=Australian Grand Prix |url=https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2019/03/australian-grand-prix |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323111815/https://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/2019/03/australian-grand-prix |archive-date=23 March 2019 |access-date=19 February 2025 |website=Williams Racing}} He acknowledged that his experience was difficult, remarking that the car was "four seconds off the pace" and that he was lapped multiple times.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBqSXuAl3CI |title=Top Drivers on Their First Formula 1 Race {{!}} Lando Norris, George Russell, Ollie Bearman & Alex Albon |date=2025-02-27 |last=High Performance |access-date=2025-03-05 |via=YouTube}} (22:05-25:39) Williams' slow pace continued into the season, and in most races Kubica was Russell's only on-track competition: Russell did not finish ahead of a car from another team until round six, the {{F1 GP|2019|Monaco}}. He also outqualified Kubica at all twenty-one races.{{cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=30 November 2019 |title=F1 2019 qualifying match-ups: Lando Norris finishes ahead at McLaren |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11874648/f1-2019-qualifying-match-ups-lando-norris-finishes-ahead-at-mclaren |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114221440/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11874648/f1-2019-qualifying-match-ups-lando-norris-finishes-ahead-at-mclaren |archive-date=14 November 2022 |accessdate=14 November 2022 |website=skysports.com}}

Russell's best placement was 11th at the rain-affected {{F1 GP|2019|German}}, where Williams rolled out an upgrade,{{Cite web |date=2019-08-01 |title=Kubica had 'mixed feelings' after scoring point as he predicts tough weekend in Hungary |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/kubica-had-mixed-feelings-after-scoring-hockenheim-point-as-he-predicts.5uY9VwdUMAYO5aPUYRApgN |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} six cars retired without classifying,{{Cite web |date=2019-08-08 |title=Russell hails 'best weekend of the year' in Hungary after 'absolute disaster' in Germany {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-hails-hungary-best-weekend-of-the-year-after-disaster-of-germany.XTIJ2pBeqo8PKnpX6bzU5 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} and another two cars received time penalties after the race.{{Cite web |title=What the teams said - Race day in Germany {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/what-the-teams-said-race-day-in-germany-2019.6HeoWvqoqsKvmPTD6tv9ss |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} He came close to finishing 10th, but unsuccessfully asked to pit for slick tyres during a safety car and ran wide on turn two several laps later,{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2019-07-30 |title="I think it's slicks, mate": How Russell missed his first chance for points |url=https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/30/i-think-its-slicks-mate-how-russell-missed-his-first-chance-for-points/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB}} allowing Kubica to overtake him and score the team's only point that year. In 2023, Russell remarked that it was the most disappointing moment of his career.Rookies Reunited (2023), at 7:20-8:17. Russell also finished 12th at the {{F1 GP|2019|Brazilian}} after a late safety car allowed him to unlap himself, missing out on points by 1.668 seconds.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-19 |title='It wasn't meant to be' - Russell on missing maiden point by 1.6s {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/it-wasnt-meant-to-be-russell-on-missing-maiden-point-by-1-6s.6H2tGBFFgKV82JkqxbiFFX |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} He finished 20th in the Drivers' Championship, scoring no points to Kubica's one.{{Cite web |title=2019 Driver Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2019/drivers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526191916/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2019/drivers.html |archive-date=26 May 2019 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Formula 1}} Russell later remarked that as a competitor, it was hard for him to watch fellow rookies Alex Albon and Lando Norris competing for points and podiums after beating them the year before in F2.

Williams was more competitive on track in 2020, but it did not show up in the standings, as Williams did not score any points all year.{{Cite web |last=Horton |first=Phillip |date=2020-12-28 |title=Williams' year-on-year gains 'remarkable' – Latifi |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/28/williams-year-on-year-gains-remarkable-latifi/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Motorsport Week |language=en-GB}} However, Russell came close to scoring on several occasions, such as the {{F1 GP|2020|Styrian}} (starting 11th but falling to 16th after running into the gravel during a re-start lap){{Cite web |date=2020-07-12 |title=Styrian Grand Prix 2020 race report and highlights: Lewis Hamilton eases to Styrian Grand Prix victory over Bottas as Ferraris collide |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-eases-to-styrian-grand-prix-victory-over-bottas-as-ferraris-collide.5PfZ0DxltY7qOrbeVXMLa3 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-07-13 |title='I messed up' admits George Russell after Lap 4 off in Styrian GP – but says 'slow' Williams was bigger problem {{!}} Formula 1®' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-messed-up-admits-russell-after-lap-4-off-in-styrian-gp-but-says-slow-car.629eTPbqmQWg0ynbcFjbEk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132130/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-messed-up-admits-russell-after-lap-4-off-in-styrian-gp-but-says-slow-car.629eTPbqmQWg0ynbcFjbEk.html |archive-date=18 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Formula1.com}} the {{F1 GP|2020|British}} (finishing 12th), the {{F1 GP|2020|Tuscan}} (reaching 9th at one point before dropping back to 11th),{{cite web |date=13 September 2020 |title=Tuscan GP: George Russell denied first Formula 1 points in cruel finish |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36305/12071330/tuscan-gp-george-russell-denied-first-formula-1-points-in-cruel-finish |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918015258/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36305/12071330/tuscan-gp-george-russell-denied-first-formula-1-points-in-cruel-finish |archive-date=18 September 2020 |access-date=7 October 2020 |website=skysports.com}} and the {{F1 GP|2020|Emilia Romagna}} (crashing out from 10th place under safety car conditions).{{Cite web|title=Russell: Imola F1 safety car crash the biggest mistake of my career|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-imola-f1-safety-car-crash-the-biggest-mistake-of-my-career-4977629/4977629/|access-date=18 July 2021|website=Autosport.com|date=2 November 2020|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132136/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-imola-f1-safety-car-crash-the-biggest-mistake-of-my-career-4977629/4977629/|url-status=live}}

File:George Russell 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.jpg at the {{F1GP|2020|Sakhir}} in {{F1|2020}}, where he led the majority of the race.|alt=Russell leads Valtteri Bottas in the Mercedes W11 at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix]]

Russell scored his first points at the {{F1 GP|2020|Sakhir}}, following a surprise promotion to the Mercedes senior team when Lewis Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2020/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/2020-sakhir-grand-prix-reserve-driver-announcement/|title=Mercedes Confirms George Russell for Sakhir GP|website=Mercedesamgf1.com|access-date=2 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202074256/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2020/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/2020-sakhir-grand-prix-reserve-driver-announcement/|url-status=live}} His performance at Sakhir was widely acclaimed by both Mercedes and the media.{{Cite web |last=Brundle |first=Martin |author-link=Martin Brundle |date=8 December 2020 |title=Martin Brundle: Sergio Perez, George Russell and the story of a dramatic Sakhir GP |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12154973/martin-brundle-sergio-perez-george-russell-and-the-story-of-a-dramatic-sakhir-gp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208224618/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/12154973/martin-brundle-sergio-perez-george-russell-and-the-story-of-a-dramatic-sakhir-gp |archive-date=8 December 2020 |access-date=9 December 2020 |website=Sky Sports}}{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=8 December 2020 |title=Mercedes impressed by how Russell handled F1 pressure |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-impressed-by-how-attacking-russell-handled-pressure/4923546/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615153151/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-impressed-by-how-attacking-russell-handled-pressure/4923546/ |archive-date=15 June 2022 |access-date=11 April 2022 |website=Motorsport.com}} He narrowly missed out on pole position,{{Cite web |date=5 December 2020 |title=F1 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix - Full Qualifying Results |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/949884/1/f1-2020-sakhir-grand-prix-full-qualifying-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132131/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/949884/1/f1-2020-sakhir-grand-prix-full-qualifying-results |archive-date=18 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Crash}} overtook teammate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner, and led the majority of the race. However, he was forced to pit twice in-a-row when the Mercedes pit crew accidentally fitted Bottas' front tyres on his car, following a radio failure.{{Cite web|title=Mercedes handed €20,000 fine for Russell tyre mix-up in Sakhir Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-handed-eur20-000-fine-for-russell-tyre-mix-up-in-sakhir-grand-prix.3PwKTGxftR3C8ACA5DcDKj.html|access-date=18 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525200351/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-handed-eur20-000-fine-for-russell-tyre-mix-up-in-sakhir-grand-prix.3PwKTGxftR3C8ACA5DcDKj.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=7 December 2020 |title=George Russell 'gutted' as Mercedes debut Sakhir GP win is 'taken away' |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36305/12153661/george-russell-gutted-as-mercedes-sakhir-gp-win-is-taken-away |access-date=6 September 2024 |work=Sky Sports}} He overtook Bottas a second time, recovered to second place, and was closing in on race leader Sergio Pérez, when a puncture forced him to pit again with ten laps to go.{{Cite web|title=2020 Sakhir Grand Prix: Late puncture costs Russell podium place|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2020-sakhir-grand-prix-late-puncture-costs-russell-podium-place.1687521520283184367.html|access-date=18 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718133637/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/video.2020-sakhir-grand-prix-late-puncture-costs-russell-podium-place.1687521520283184367.html|url-status=live}} He finished ninth, picking up two points for the finish and one point for the fastest lap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-losing-victory-twice-in-bahrain-really-bloody-hurts/4922790/|title=George Russell: Losing Bahrain F1 victory twice really hurts|website=Motorsport.com|date=6 December 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020454/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-losing-victory-twice-in-bahrain-really-bloody-hurts/4922790/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=6 December 2020 |title=Sergio Perez takes sensational maiden win in Sakhir GP as tyre mix-up ruins Russell's charge |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sergio-perez-takes-sensational-maiden-win-in-sakhir-gp-as-tyre-issues-ruin.2TBf7rg5wpgELNALXJLRHV.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207063434/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sergio-perez-takes-sensational-maiden-win-in-sakhir-gp-as-tyre-issues-ruin.2TBf7rg5wpgELNALXJLRHV.html |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=8 December 2020 |website=Formula1.com}} He later remarked that while "I was the same driver [in Sakhir] as I had been before ... I was exactly the same driver a week later [driving for Williams at the season-ending {{F1 GP|2020|Abu Dhabi}}{{Cite web |title=Hamilton to make Mercedes return in Abu Dhabi after testing Covid-negative, with Russell heading back to Williams |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-to-make-mercedes-return-in-abu-dhabi-after-testing-covid-negative.6crMz5aWmfElFkpMdTpLwL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210174506/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-to-make-mercedes-return-in-abu-dhabi-after-testing-covid-negative.6crMz5aWmfElFkpMdTpLwL.html |archive-date=10 December 2020 |access-date=10 December 2020 |website=Formula1.com}}] when I was out in Q1."{{Cite book |last=Whyman |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1koSEQAAQBAJ |title=Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane |date=2024-11-12 |publisher=Crown |isbn=978-0-593-73564-0 |pages=32 |language=en}} In Abu Dhabi, he donned a special helmet to honor the Williams family, who had sold the team in October.{{Cite web |date=11 December 2020 |title=Russell to wear Williams tribute helmet for Abu Dhabi GP. |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/11/russell-to-wear-williams-tribute-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-gp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211085234/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/11/russell-to-wear-williams-tribute-helmet-for-abu-dhabi-gp/ |archive-date=11 December 2020 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Motorsportweek.com}}{{Cite web |last=Shah |first=Kunal |date=30 October 2020 |title=Sir Frank & Claire Williams Both Leave Roles At Legendary F1 Team |url=https://www.kunalsf1blog.com/frank-claire-williams-leave-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132133/https://www.kunalsf1blog.com/frank-claire-williams-leave-team/ |archive-date=18 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=Kunal's F1 Blog}} He finished 18th in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 3 points, all for Mercedes.

Following Russell's strong performances in 2020, Mercedes looked into finding him a new team for the 2021 season, but Williams declined to release him from his contract. In addition, the media speculated that he would replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes in 2022 once their respective contracts expired. The two aspirants clashed at the 2021 {{F1 GP|2021|Emilia Romagna}}, when Russell found himself alongside Bottas on lap 30. He attempted to overtake Bottas, but drove onto a wet patch and lost control of his car, crashing into Bottas and causing a double retirement.{{Cite web |last=Herbert |first=Danny |date=19 April 2021 |title=Russell and Bottas crash analysis |url=https://drivetribe.com/p/russell-and-bottas-crash-analysis-DUpm07EeT7C8THxciAzozQ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122153611/https://drivetribe.com/p/russell-and-bottas-crash-analysis-DUpm07EeT7C8THxciAzozQ |archive-date=22 January 2022 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=DriveTribe}} Russell initially blamed the incident on Bottas, walking over to Bottas after the crash and slapping his helmet (Bottas responded with a middle finger), and accusing him of "trying to kill [them] both".{{cite web |date=18 April 2021 |title=George Russell and Valtteri Bottas crash: Drivers blame each other for causing 'dangerous' Imola collision |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12279561/george-russell-and-valtteri-bottas-crash-drivers-blame-each-other-for-causing-dangerous-imola-collision |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418235403/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12279561/george-russell-and-valtteri-bottas-crash-drivers-blame-each-other-for-causing-dangerous-imola-collision |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=18 April 2021 |website=Sky Sports}} However, Russell later retracted his claims and apologised to Bottas and Williams.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=19 April 2021 |title=Russell apologises to Bottas after Imola incident |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-apologises-to-bottas-imola-incident/6350886/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423065857/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-apologises-to-bottas-imola-incident/6350886/ |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=motorsport.com}} Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged that Bottas should not have been side by side with a Williams in the first place, but reserved the bulk of his criticism for Russell, a Mercedes junior who had just taken out a Mercedes.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2021-04-19 |title=Toto Wolff rebukes George Russell over Imola F1 crash with Valtteri Bottas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/19/toto-wolff-george-russell-imola-crash-valtteri-bottas-mercedes-williams-f1 |access-date=2024-10-16 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} Both drivers sought to downplay the dispute, at least publicly, after Bottas rejoined Mercedes in {{F1|2025}}.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2025-01-31 |title=Russell sees 2025 as the start of a new career chapter as Mercedes' experienced driver |url=https://racer.com/2025/01/31/russell-sees-2025-as-the-start-of-a-new-career-chapter-as-mercedes-experienced-driver/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=RACER |language=en-US}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAw_G3SF6Fk |title=Valtteri Bottas opens up on his role at Mercedes this season |date=2025-02-10 |last=Sky Sports F1 |access-date=2025-02-17 |via=YouTube}}File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 63 Russell.jpg. He finished 11th, but received praise from Fernando Alonso for his performance.]]

Despite his DNF at Imola, Russell helped Williams to its best season in several years. He came close to scoring points at a number of races, including the {{F1 GP|2021|Azerbaijan}} (gearbox failure following a restart in 15th place);{{Cite web|title=2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix|url=https://www.williamsf1.com/news/2021/races/baku/azerbaijan-grand-prix|access-date=18 July 2021|website=Williamsf1.com|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718132132/https://www.williamsf1.com/news/2021/races/baku/azerbaijan-grand-prix|url-status=live}} the {{F1 GP|2021|French}} (rising from 19th to 12th without help from driver retirements);{{cite web |date=21 June 2021 |title=Russell says French Grand Prix was 'best race I've ever had with Williams' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-says-french-grand-prix-was-best-race-ive-ever-had-with-williams.1oC8lQBKhGuaADc8I8xjqK.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710104354/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-says-french-grand-prix-was-best-race-ive-ever-had-with-williams.1oC8lQBKhGuaADc8I8xjqK.html |archive-date=10 July 2021 |access-date=26 June 2021 |website=formula1.com}}{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Sean |date=20 June 2021 |title=French GP Facts & Stats: Verstappen's first F1 hat-trick, and a special podium for Perez |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.french-gp-facts-and-stats-verstappens-first-f1-hat-trick-and-a-special.5RdIdqVagUjxZf5rQ3VASt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621003951/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.french-gp-facts-and-stats-verstappens-first-f1-hat-trick-and-a-special.5RdIdqVagUjxZf5rQ3VASt.html |archive-date=21 June 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021 |website=Formula1.com}} the {{F1 GP|2021|Styrian}} (hydraulic failure after qualifying in 10th);{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36606/12342547/styrian-gp-yuki-tsunoda-grid-drop-for-valtteri-bottas-block-moves-george-russell-into-top-10|title=Yuki Tsunoda grid drop for Valtteri Bottas block moves George Russell into top 10|website=Sky Sports|date=27 June 2021|access-date=26 June 2021|archive-date=26 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626235649/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36606/12342547/styrian-gp-yuki-tsunoda-grid-drop-for-valtteri-bottas-block-moves-george-russell-into-top-10|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-rues-typical-bad-luck-after-styrian-gp-retirement/6615160/|title=Russell rues "typical" bad luck after Styrian GP Retirement|website=Motorsport.com|date=27 June 2021|access-date=27 June 2021|archive-date=30 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630202411/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-rues-typical-bad-luck-after-styrian-gp-retirement/6615160/|url-status=live}} and the {{F1 GP|2021|British}} (12th place). At the {{F1 GP|2021|Austrian}}, Russell qualified in 8th place, Williams' highest grid position since 2017.{{Cite web|title=2021 Austrian Grand Prix qualifying facts and stats: McLaren secure first front row start for almost a decade|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.austrian-gp-qualifying-facts-and-stats-mclaren-secure-first-front-row-start.1zuvvwLS7n6VGNkcU43KIc.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010218/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.austrian-gp-qualifying-facts-and-stats-mclaren-secure-first-front-row-start.1zuvvwLS7n6VGNkcU43KIc.html}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-vettel-handed-3-place-grid-drop-for-impeding-alonso-in-qualifying.7GgtvflZ8oncSBvUpU34UU.html|title=Vettel handed 3-place grid drop for impeding Alonso in qualifying|website=Formula1.com|date=3 July 2021|access-date=3 July 2021|archive-date=11 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711214845/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-vettel-handed-3-place-grid-drop-for-impeding-alonso-in-qualifying.7GgtvflZ8oncSBvUpU34UU.html|url-status=live}} He was still in 10th near the end of the race, but after a fourteen-lap defensive battle, Fernando Alonso passed him with three laps to go.{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2021-09-07 |title=George Russell: Why Mercedes had to sign him - and what it might mean for team harmony |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/58457633 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJwSs6UgNB8 |title=Alonso and Russell's Epic Duel {{!}} 2021 Austrian Grand Prix |date=2021-07-05 |last=FORMULA 1 |access-date=2024-10-16 |via=YouTube}} After the race, Alonso consoled Russell with a hug. The Spaniard ruefully explained that "I was hoping it was anyone but him. ... He will have more opportunities hopefully for podiums or wins in the future."{{Cite news |date=2021-07-04 |title=Alonso feels for Russell after snatching a point in Austria |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/alonso-feels-russell-after-snatching-point-austria-2021-07-04/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |work=Reuters}}

Russell scored his first points for Williams two races later at the {{F1 GP|2021|Hungarian}}, moving from 17th on the grid to 8th.{{Cite web |title=George Russell says he 'shed a tear' after sealing his first-ever points for Williams in Hungary {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-says-he-shed-a-tear-after-sealing-his-first-ever-points-for-williams.4UWCveALLJIEVbEGaXP8wr |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}} Following the race, Mercedes agreed to promote Russell to the senior team for the 2022 season.{{Cite web |title='It Was a Dream Come True' - George Recalls F1 Debut Five Years On |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/it-was-a-dream-come-true-george-recalls-f1-debut-five-years-on |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team |language=en-US}} In the very next race, Russell collected his maiden podium at the {{F1 GP|2021|Belgian}} under unusual circumstances. He qualified in second after a rain-affected Saturday, the first front-row start for Williams since the 2017 Italian Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-verstappen-denies-russell-shock-pole-in-dramatic-wet-qualifying.XP92uMlcsG9ZQbF0vpqYn.html|title=QUALIFYING: Verstappen denies Russell shock pole in dramatic wet qualifying session at Spa|website=formula1.com|date=28 August 2021|accessdate=28 August 2021|archive-date=28 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828152920/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-verstappen-denies-russell-shock-pole-in-dramatic-wet-qualifying.XP92uMlcsG9ZQbF0vpqYn.html|url-status=live}} The downpour continued into race day, so the race director ran the race for two laps under safety car conditions before calling it off, handing Russell his first Formula One podium finish.{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36305/12394797/belgian-gp-george-russell-embraces-strange-first-f1-podium-as-qualifying-heroics-count|title=Belgian GP: George Russell embraces 'strange' first F1 podium as qualifying heroics count|website=skysports.com|date=29 August 2021|accessdate=30 August 2021|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829210140/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36305/12394797/belgian-gp-george-russell-embraces-strange-first-f1-podium-as-qualifying-heroics-count|url-status=live}} Russell also scored points at the {{F1 GP|2021|Italian}} (9th) and the {{F1 GP|2021|Russian}} (10th, after qualifying in 3rd).{{Cite web|date=27 September 2021|title=Russell says converting P3 grid slot to Russian GP podium was 'not realistic' after claiming P10 in Sochi|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-says-converting-p3-grid-slot-to-russian-gp-podium-was-not-realistic.1pr9J0KV1XNNtDMdRuDofA.html|url-status=live|access-date=27 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927090919/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-says-converting-p3-grid-slot-to-russian-gp-podium-was-not-realistic.1pr9J0KV1XNNtDMdRuDofA.html}} He placed 15th in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 16 points to Latifi's 7.

File:2022 French Grand Prix (52279069978).png]]Russell joined Mercedes in 2022 and was paired with seven-time World Drivers' Champion Lewis Hamilton{{Cite web |date=7 September 2021 |title=Mercedes announce George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton in 2022 as Briton signs long-term deal |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907090616/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html |archive-date=7 September 2021 |access-date=7 September 2021 |website=Formula1.com}} from 2022 to 2024.{{Cite web |title=Hamilton reveals the key factors behind his Ferrari switch |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-stars-aligned-hamilton-reveals-the-key-factors-behind-his-shock-ferrari.2vJRwYdyFN1J3vyTUqZMFr |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}} His timing was unfortunate, as the move coincided with a regulations change that ended Mercedes' dominance of the sport.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2025-04-25 |title=Out of Lewis Hamilton's shadow at Mercedes, George Russell feels ready to be F1 champion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6305394/2025/04/25/george-russell-mercedes-top-driver-f1-lewis-hamilton/ |access-date=2025-04-25 |work=The Athletic |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The team placed third in 2022, second in 2023, and fourth in 2024 (although it scored four wins that year). Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari after the 2024 season.

During Russell's three years with Hamilton, the drivers were evenly matched on track.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-08 |title=Our verdict on the end of Hamilton-Mercedes + what it means for 2025 |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/our-verdict-lewis-hamilton-end-to-mercedes-stint/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Race}} Russell outscored Hamilton in two out of three seasons, recorded three wins to Hamilton's two, and outqualified Hamilton 39–29,{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2025-03-06 |title=George Russell on partnering Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and how he believes 'my time will come' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cvge7048ppdo |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} while Hamilton scored 20 podiums to Russell's 14{{Cite web |last=Gassman |first=Alex |date=2024-12-04 |title=Lewis Hamilton and George Russell tied on points after 3 years as Mercedes teammates |url=https://oversteer48.com/hamilton-russell-tied-points/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=oversteer48}} and beat Russell on total points (697–695) after overtaking Russell on the final lap of his final race with Mercedes.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2024-12-08 |title=Lewis Hamilton says he 'finished on a high' at Mercedes after 12 years together |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cq8qkkzq2lgo |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=BBC Sport}} After the 2024 season ended, Russell said that he "learned so much from [] Lewis as a driver and a person," and wrote on his personal website that Hamilton "is not only the greatest driver of all time," but also "the type of person that every racing driver should aspire to be."{{Cite web |date=2024-12-08 |title=Fifth-place finish for George in season finale |url=https://www.georgerussell63.com/press/fifth-place-finish-for-george-in-season-finale |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=GeorgeRussell63.com}}

2022 and 2023 were difficult years for Mercedes, whose new aerodynamics concept performed very well in simulations but was difficult to drive in real life.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2023-05-17 |title=Why Mercedes has got F1's current era so wrong so far |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/why-mercedes-has-got-f1s-current-era-so-wrong-so-far/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Race}} The team scored one victory in two years.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Will |date=2024-05-04 |title=Mercedes swapped one extreme for another with 2024 car design - Russell |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/05/05/mercedes-swapped-one-extreme-for-another-with-2024-car-design-russell/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=RaceFans}}

File:2022 British Grand Prix (52382355276).jpg]]

Russell and Hamilton spent the first nine races of the 2022 season testing experimental parts for the Mercedes car.{{Cite web |date=24 October 2022 |title=What a winless Hamilton season won't tell you about his 2022 |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-a-winless-hamilton-season-wont-tell-you-about-his-2022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326200252/https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-a-winless-hamilton-season-wont-tell-you-about-his-2022/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=The Race}} Although the drivers swapped testing duties every race,{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2023-01-21 |title=Russell sees no risk of Hamilton trouble even amid F1 title battle |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-sees-no-risk-of-hamilton-trouble-even-amid-f1-title-battle/10423174/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=Autosport}} Russell accumulated a 34-point lead over Hamilton after round nine,{{Cite web |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |date=2022-06-19 |title=F1 Standings after 2022 Canadian GP |url=https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-standings-after-2022-canadian-gp/ |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Total Motorsport |language=}} which team boss Toto Wolff attributed to Hamilton's experiments backfiring.{{Cite web |last1=Collantine |first1=Keith |last2=Cottingham |first2=Claire |date=2022-06-11 |title=Hamilton's recent deficit to Russell is due to 'set-up experiments', says Wolff |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/06/11/hamiltons-recent-deficit-to-russell-is-due-to-set-up-experiments-says-wolff/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=RaceFans}} After round nine, Russell and Hamilton finished out the season essentially level on points, with Russell scoring one more point than his teammate. Despite the unfortunate season, Russell checked off several career firsts in 2022, including his first podium in a full-length race at Melbourne;{{Cite web |date=10 April 2022 |title=Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html |access-date=10 April 2022 |website=Formula 1 |archive-date=28 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028202800/http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2001/40.html |url-status=live }} his first pole position at Hungary;{{Cite web |title=Russell beats Sainz to take shock maiden pole at Hungaroring as Red Bulls hit trouble |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-take-their-first-pole-position-of-2022-as-russell-sets-the-pace-in.6Vqx91758duUbTENjFUaU0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730162413/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-take-their-first-pole-position-of-2022-as-russell-sets-the-pace-in.6Vqx91758duUbTENjFUaU0.html |archive-date=30 July 2022 |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=Formula1.com}} and his first Grand Prix and sprint race victories at Interlagos.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=13 November 2022 |title=Sao Paulo Grand Prix: George Russell beats Lewis Hamilton to first full Formula 1 win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63617916 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113215610/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63617916 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=12 November 2022 |title=Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint: George Russell takes first win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63610213 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113220202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/63610213 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=BBC Sport}} He finished fourth in the Drivers' Championship, outscoring teammate Hamilton by 35 points.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=2022-12-02 |title=George Russell reveals reason for Lewis Hamilton's early F1 2022 car experiments: 'I was in a happier place' {{!}} F1 {{!}} Crash |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1018065/1/russell-reveals-reason-hamilton-s-early-f1-2022-experiments |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.crash.net}}{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2022-12-02 |title=Did Russell deserve to out-score Hamilton? Perhaps not - but it was close |url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/02/did-russell-deserve-to-out-score-hamilton-perhaps-not-but-it-was-close/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=RaceFans}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2023 Nr. 63 (1).jpg]]

{{F1|2023}} was another difficult year for Mercedes and for Russell in particular. After some promising performances at the start of the season (leading the {{F1 GP|2023|Australian}} until an untimely red flag{{Cite news |date=2 April 2023 |title='It's just such a shame' says Mercedes' Russell after retiring with power unit issue in Australia |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-just-such-a-shame-says-mercedes-russell-after-retiring-with-power-unit.1BhfnePPs7NbkXPJg5yOc1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403193314/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.its-just-such-a-shame-says-mercedes-russell-after-retiring-with-power-unit.1BhfnePPs7NbkXPJg5yOc1.html |archive-date=3 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=Formula 1}} and scoring a podium at Barcelona{{Cite news |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date= |title=Russell: Double F1 podium "a sign of things to come" for Mercedes |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-double-podium-a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-mercedes-f1/10478604/ |access-date=10 June 2023 |work=Motorsport.com}}), Russell's results declined in the second half of the season for a variety of reasons, including a record seven pit stops in one race (Zandvoort),{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-11-28 |title=2023 Formula 1: Records and milestones, more than 40 of them! |url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2023/11/28/2023-formula-1-records-and-milestones-more-than-40-of-them/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=GRANDPRIX247}} an accidental last-lap crash (Singapore),{{cite web |date=17 September 2023 |title=Sainz holds off Norris and fast-charging Mercedes pair to take sensational Singapore Grand Prix victory |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-holds-off-norris-and-fast-charging-mercedes-pair-to-take-sensational.16sNsRUz2MAFyXxSE3RdwX.html |accessdate=17 September 2023 |website=formula1.com}} an over-aggressive strategy call (Suzuka),{{cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=Lewis Hamilton and George Russell explain dramatic Japanese GP for Mercedes as pair come close to contact at Suzuka |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12968648/lewis-hamilton-and-george-russell-explain-dramatic-japanese-gp-for-mercedes-as-pair-come-close-to-contact-at-suzuka |accessdate=12 November 2023 |website=skysports.com}} and Hamilton colliding into him after a front-row start (Lusail).{{cite web |last=Galloway |first=James |date=9 October 2023 |title=Lewis Hamilton: George Russell crash at Qatar GP '100 per cent my fault' as he apologises to Mercedes |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12980613/lewis-hamilton-george-russell-collision-100-per-cent-my-fault-as-he-apologises-to-mercedes-at-qatar-gp |accessdate=12 November 2023 |website=skysports.com}}

Russell salvaged a measure of pride with a third-place finish at the {{F1 GP|2023|Abu Dhabi}}, which clinched second place in the Constructors' Championship for Mercedes. He finished eighth in the Drivers' Championship, the lowest for a Mercedes driver since {{F1|2012}}, and 59 points behind Hamilton. After the Abu Dhabi race, Russell commented that he had "let the side down a couple of times this year", but that it meant "a huge amount" to help the team finish second.{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-delighted-to-seal-p2-in-constructors-for-mercedes-as-abu-dhabi.1aob76YCwfrGMLnv5CWUb1.html |title=Russell delighted to seal P2 in constructors' for Mercedes as Abu Dhabi podium concludes 'challenging season' |website=formula1.com |date=26 November 2023 |accessdate=26 November 2023}} Although he called his own season "a complete disaster", Mercedes extended his contract until the end of {{F1|2025}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/mercedes-extends-driver-line-up-through-2025 |title=Mercedes Extends Driver Line-Up Through 2025 |website=mercedesamgf1.com |date=31 August 2023 |accessdate=1 September 2023}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2024 Nr. 63 Russell.jpg, where he took his second career win.]]

For the 2024 season, Mercedes fundamentally changed its design concept.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Will |date=2024-05-04 |title=Mercedes swapped one extreme for another with 2024 car design - Russell |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/05/05/mercedes-swapped-one-extreme-for-another-with-2024-car-design-russell/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=RaceFans}} The new Mercedes W15 was fast but inconsistent, hard on tyres, and difficult to set up properly.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2024-11-24 |title=F1 king of cool: why George Russell always had winning hand in Vegas |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/f1-king-of-cool-why-george-russell-always-had-winning-hand-in-vegas/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Motor Sport Magazine}} Although the team was not competitive until midseason, Russell commented that the staff was "making progress" behind the scenes.{{cite web |date=20 May 2024 |title=Russell won't 'sulk' over losing position to Hamilton in Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix after 'lonely race' for Mercedes |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-wont-sulk-over-losing-position-to-hamilton-in-emilia-romagna-grand.2pMtQP5RZRr64Kb2lg4UtN |accessdate=29 July 2024 |website=formula1.com}} At round three, the {{F1 GP|2024|Australian}}, Russell crashed heavily while trying to overtake Fernando Alonso (who received a 20-second penalty for brake-checking Russell) for sixth place on the penultimate lap.{{Cite news |last1=Slater |first1=Luke |last2=Cary |first2=Tom |date=2024-03-24 |title=George Russell's safety fears after horror crash at Australian GP |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/03/24/australian-grand-prix-2024-live-updates-latest-melbourne/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}} The accident left him immobile and defenceless behind a 250 km/h blind turn for ten seconds before the race director deployed the virtual safety car. However, he emerged unscathed and met with Alonso to smooth things over. Following the race, he called for automated safety cars to prevent similar incidents.{{Cite web |last=Wade |first=Stephen |date=2024-04-04 |title=Russell was 'waiting for a disaster to happen' after he crashed at the Australian GP |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/04/04/russell-was-waiting-for-a-disaster-to-happen-after-he-crashed-at-the-australian-gp/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US}}

At midseason, Mercedes scored podium finishes in six consecutive races. Russell reeled off some of his best results in years, including a pole and podium in Montreal,{{Cite web |date=8 June 2024 |title='I've missed this feeling!' – Russell hails Mercedes progress after Canada pole as he vows to 'go for it' on race day |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-missed-this-feeling-russell-hails-mercedes-progress-after-canada-pole-as.3FNoF51rSbAhHwUKUjTn2u |access-date=9 June 2024 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}}{{cite news |date=9 June 2024 |title=Verstappen beats Norris to victory in thrilling wet/dry Canadian GP |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-norris-to-victory-in-thrilling-wet-dry-canadian-gp.6ytkbh7iDTWC3pJBwiaboI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609235243/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-beats-norris-to-victory-in-thrilling-wet-dry-canadian-gp.6ytkbh7iDTWC3pJBwiaboI |archive-date=9 June 2024 |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Formula1.com}} his second career race victory at Spielberg (albeit after the first two drivers collided in front of him),{{cite news |date=30 June 2024 |title=Russell claims surprise win in Austria after Verstappen and Norris dramatically collide in battle for the lead |website=Formula1.com |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-claims-surprise-win-in-austria-after-verstappen-and-norris.2Kmxvn4a42JYDFhvklagYk|access-date=30 June 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13161229/austrian-gp-george-russell-ends-mercedes-win-drought-after-max-verstappen-lando-norris-collision|title=Austrian GP: George Russell ends Mercedes win drought after Max Verstappen-Lando Norris collision|website=skysports.com|first=James|last=Galloway|date=1 July 2024|accessdate=29 July 2024}} a pole at Silverstone (followed by a mechanical retirement),{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/hamilton-beats-verstappen-to-first-win-since-2021-with-record-breaking-9th.3teU9bznaWJlC2TGAYh0Vl|title=Hamilton beats Verstappen to first win since 2021 with record-breaking 9th British Grand Prix victory|website=formula1.com|date=7 July 2024|accessdate=29 July 2024}} and the first Formula One race win (at Spa) lost to a post-race disqualification since 1994,{{cite news |date=28 July 2024 |title=Russell takes incredible victory in Belgium on aging tyres after thrilling late-race chase from Hamilton |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-takes-incredible-victory-in-belgium-on-aging-tyres-after-thrilling.3FufXdo4r40I7kv5mJLMMR |access-date=28 July 2024 |website=Formula1.com}} for which the team took responsibility.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/wolff-apologises-to-russell-after-mercedes-mistake-leads-to-belgian-gp.3iQ5OuQj81l7DQbCaYKKt9|title=Wolff apologises to Russell after Mercedes 'mistake' leads to Belgian GP disqualification|website=formula1.com|date=28 July 2024|accessdate=29 July 2024}} However, the media opined that he could have won the Canadian Grand Prix.

The team's form became more inconsistent as the year went on, but Russell challenged for wins at several races. At the {{F1GP|2024|São Paulo}}, Russell was leading the race until Mercedes ordered him to pit for new tyres right before a red-flag gave his competitors a free tyre change.{{Cite web |last=Powling |first=Taylor |date=2024-11-10 |title=Mercedes explains call to overrule George Russell in F1 Brazil GP |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/11/10/mercedes-explains-call-to-overrule-george-russell-in-f1-brazil-gp/ |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Motorsport Week}}{{Cite web |last=Mann-Bryans |first=Mark |date=2024-11-03 |title=Frustrated Russell wanted to ignore Mercedes pit call in Brazilian GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/frustrated-russell-wanted-to-ignore-mercedes-pit-call-in-brazilian-gp/10670393/ |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=www.motorsport.com}} Russell dominated the {{F1GP|2024|Las Vegas}}, qualifying on pole and leading 49 of 50 laps to take his third career victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-las-vegas-gp-russell-wins-verstappen-fourth-title/10675984/|title=F1 Las Vegas GP: Verstappen secures fourth title as Russell dominates race|date=24 November 2024|access-date=24 November 2024|website=Autosport|first=Jake|last=Boxall-Legge}} Russell again qualified on pole in Qatar after Max Verstappen was handed a grid penalty for driving unnecessarily slowly ahead of Russell, who was on an out-lap.{{cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=30 November 2024 |title=Russell promoted to pole by Verstappen grid penalty |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cy7d7mn83e5o |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} Verstappen condemned Russell's appeals to the stewards for his penalty, stating he "lost all respect" for him,{{cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=1 December 2024 |title=Verstappen has 'lost all respect' for Russell |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c0rnwzvd9y9o |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=BBC Sport}} and warned Russell that he would overtake him at any cost{{Cite web |last1=Boxall-Legge |first1=Jake |last2=Kalinauckas |first2=Alex |date=1 December 2024 |title=Verstappen 'lost all respect' for Russell after Qatar GP stewards' room conduct |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-lost-all-respect-for-russell-after-qatar-gp-stewards-room-conduct/10678443/ |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=Motorsport.com}}—Russell claimed he said he would 'put him in the wall', which Verstappen denied.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cn4x21xwp8go |title=I'm not going to take Verstappen attacks - Russell |website=BBC Sport |date=5 December 2024 |access-date=5 December 2024 |first=Andrew |last=Benson}}{{Cite web |last1=Sutill |first1=Josh |last2=Straw |first2=Edd |last3=Hughes |first3=Mark |date=2024-12-05 |title='Put you on your f***ing head' - Verstappen-Russell row escalates |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/put-you-on-your-f-ing-head-extraordinary-verstappen-russell-f1-row-escalation/ |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=The Race}} Verstappen overtook him into turn one, with Russell finishing fourth after two safety car periods.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/cgrwj08xgv9o |website=BBC Sport |first=Andrew |last=Benson |date=1 December 2024| access-date=2 December 2024 |title=Verstappen wins in Qatar after Norris penalty}}

Russell finished sixth in the Drivers' Championship, 22 points ahead of Hamilton.{{Cite web |title=2024 Driver Standings |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results/2024/drivers |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}}

File:2025 Japan GP - Mercedes - George Russell - FP2.jpg in {{F1|2025}}.|alt=Russell driving the Mercedes W16 at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix]]

In {{F1|2025}}, following Hamilton's departure for Ferrari, Mercedes partnered Russell with Junior Team member Andrea Kimi Antonelli.{{Cite web |date=31 August 2024 |title=Antonelli confirmed as Hamilton's replacement with Mercedes looking ahead to 'next chapter' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-kimi-antonelli-confirmed-as-lewis-hamiltons-replacement-with.2TeU01Qm9BjQUlBjl9jBTm |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Formula 1}} Russell's contract expires at the end of the season, with team principal Toto Wolff suggesting there are "options" to extend. Defending World Constructors' Champions McLaren are heavily favoured to claim both titles; Russell opined that the MCL39 was fast enough to win every Grand Prix,{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2025-03-20 |title=Chinese Grand Prix: McLaren advantage bigger than Red Bull ever had, says George Russell |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c62z1nyw7g4o |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} which McLaren dismissed as hyperbolic.{{Cite news |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=2025-03-21 |title=Lando Norris accuses British rival George Russell of 'playing mind games' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2025/03/21/lando-norris-accuses-george-russell-mind-games/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

Russell opened the season with four podiums in six races at Albert Park, Shanghai, Sakhir, and Miami, predominantly trailing one or both McLarens.{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |date=2025-03-17 |title=In Kimi Antonelli's F1 debut, Mercedes glimpses a hopeful post-Hamilton future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6208349/2025/03/17/kimi-antonelli-mercedes-f1-australian-gp/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Mann-Bryans |first=Mark |date=2025-03-23 |title=F1 Chinese GP: Piastri dominates, Norris defies brake woes to complete McLaren 1-2 |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-chinese-gp-piastri-wins-in-dominant-mclaren-1-2/10706307/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-13 |title=Bahrain GP: Oscar Piastri claims dominant win as George Russell holds off Lando Norris for second |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13347935/bahrain-gp-oscar-piastri-claims-dominant-win-as-george-russell-holds-off-lando-norris-for-second |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Heverin |first=Dane |date=2025-05-04 |title=Piastri nails historic title statement as Norris dealt fresh blow in Miami drama |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/f1-2025-miami-grand-prix-race-live-updates-oscar-piastri-grid-position-start-time-aest-starting-grid-result-how-to-stream/news-story/f5e94b0a0c02c40b0899c7f18c706b8a |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}} In Australia, he raced conservatively in intermittently rainy conditions and inherited third place when Oscar Piastri went off track.{{Cite web |last=Harrington |first=Alex |date=2025-03-16 |title=George Russell's strategy gamble pays off in rain-hit Australia GP: "Most decisive decision I've ever taken" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/george-russells-strategy-gamble-pays-off-in-rain-hit-australia-gp-most-decisive-decision-ive-ever-t/10704037/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-16 |title=Russell podium pride as Mercedes 'a step ahead of Ferrari' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-believes-mercedes-look-a-step-ahead-of-ferrari-as-he-shares-podium.2SzY70eXKOspW2fudHWMmh |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-16 |title=Home race 'curse' knocks Piastri off podium |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/44273640/australian-gp-podium-slips-away-oscar-piastri-suffers-home-race-curse |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} At Shanghai, Russell qualified second for the main race, splitting the two McLarens; strong teamwork from McLaren allowed Lando Norris to pass him at turn one,{{Cite web |last=Thukral |first=Rachit |date=2025-03-23 |title=George Russell: I would have passed Lando Norris if I had half a lap more |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1065809/1/george-russell-i-would-have-passed-lando-norris-if-i-had-half-lap-more |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Crash.net |language=en}} and Russell finished third. Russell also finished fourth in the Chinese sprint race after defending from Charles Leclerc.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2025-03-22 |title=Chinese GP sprint 2025: Lewis Hamilton takes first Ferrari win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/ckgdvx0gq47o |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} After an uneventful fifth-place finish at Suzuka with almost no overtaking within the top 10,{{Cite news |last1=Harrington |first1=Alex |last2=Vording |first2=Ronald |date=2025-04-07 |title=Max Verstappen Explains Lack of Overtaking After 'Dull' Japanese GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-explains-lack-of-overtaking-after-dull-japanese-gp/10710845/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |work=Motorsport.com}}{{Cite news |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |date=2025-04-06 |title=Japanese GP: Max Verstappen fends off Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to win his first F1 race of 2025 season |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13342479/japanese-gp-max-verstappen-fends-off-lando-norris-and-oscar-piastri-to-win-his-first-f1-race-of-2025-season |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250407105511/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13342479/japanese-gp-max-verstappen-fends-off-lando-norris-and-oscar-piastri-to-win-his-first-f1-race-of-2025-season |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2025-04-13 |work=Sky Sports |language=en-GB}} Russell bounced back in Bahrain: he fended off Norris in the closing laps to finish second—overcoming faulty brakes and electronics{{Cite web |last=Mee |first=Lydia |date=2025-04-13 |title=FIA delivers verdict after George Russell's DRS issue scrutinised |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-delivers-verdict-after-george-russells-drs-issue-scrutinised/10713017/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Motorsport.com |language=en}}—and received widespread praise from the racing press for his adaptive performance.{{Efn|Per several sources:{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |date=2025-04-14 |title=How George Russell finished second in Bahrain Grand Prix with malfunctioning car |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6276529/2025/04/14/george-russell-bahrain-grand-prix-mercedes-f1/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |last=Chinchero |first=Roberto |date=2025-04-14 |title=Russell moves closer to new Mercedes F1 contract |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/russell-moves-closer-to-new-mercedes-f1-contract/10713402/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Autosport |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Mitchell-Malm |first1=Scott |last2=Straw |first2=Edd |last3=Noble |first3=Jon |date=2025-04-14 |title=Everything we learned at F1's Bahrain Grand Prix |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/everything-we-learned-2025-f1-bahrain-grand-prix/ |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=The Race |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2025-04-14 |title=Monday Morning Debrief: How George Russell held onto a brilliant P2 in Bahrain – despite car failures, tyre woes and a charging Lando Norris on his tail |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/monday-morning-debrief-how-russell-held-onto-a-brilliant-p2-in-bahrain.DLYkcuH5nFYLyQxogtNQe |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=Formula One |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2025-04-13 |title=McLaren's Oscar Piastri surges to dominant victory at Bahrain F1 GP |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/13/mclarens-oscar-piastri-surges-to-dominant-victory-at-bahrain-f1-gp |access-date=2025-04-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}}} Struggling with tyre overheating, Mercedes laboured to fifth- and sixth-place finishes in Jeddah.{{Cite news |last=Selleck |first=Emily |date=2025-04-20 |title=Wolff laments "worst performance of the season" for Mercedes in Jeddah |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/wolff-laments-worst-performance-of-the-season-for-mercedes-in-jeddah/10715585/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250428134159/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/wolff-laments-worst-performance-of-the-season-for-mercedes-in-jeddah/10715585/ |archive-date=2025-04-28 |access-date=2025-05-04 |work=Autosport |language=en}} At Miami, Russell was out-qualified by Antonelli for the first time,{{Cite web |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |date=2025-05-04 |title=Miami Grand Prix: Will rain spoil Lando Norris' bid to beat Max Verstappen and take championship lead from Oscar Piastri? |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13360605/miami-grand-prix-will-rain-spoil-lando-norris-bid-to-beat-max-verstappen-and-take-championship-lead-from-oscar-piastri |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} before an unconventional decision to start the Grand Prix on hard tyres was rewarded with a near-free pit stop under virtual safety car conditions, helping him finish third.{{Cite web |last=Khorounzhiy |first=Valentin |date=2025-05-04 |title=McLaren destroys F1 rivals in Miami GP as Piastri wins again |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-destroys-f1-rivals-in-miami-gp-as-oscar-piastri-wins-again/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=The Race |language=en}} He also finished fourth in the rain-affected sprint race.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2025-05-03 |title=McLaren's Norris wins chaotic Miami sprint race as Hamilton grabs third |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/03/mclarens-norris-wins-miami-sprint-race-as-hamilton-grabs-third-place-for-ferrari |access-date=2025-05-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

Mercedes began testing major upgrades during the Imola-Monaco-Barcelona tripleheader.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |last2=Noble |first2=Jon |date=2025-05-16 |title=Mercedes' first big update of 2025 revealed |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mercedes-imola-f1-package-after-lacking-enormous-or-sexy-upgrades/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=The Race |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jon |last2=Giuliana |first2=Rosario |last3=Anderson |first3=Gary |date=2025-05-29 |title=Mercedes drops new F1 suspension |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mercedes-drops-new-f1-2025-suspension/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=The Race |language=en}} At Imola, Russell qualified third but finished seventh after another bout of tyre overheating.{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Ben |date=2025-05-18 |title=George Russell blasts Mercedes as being “dead slow” after wilting in Imola disappointment |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/george-russell-slams-dead-slow-mercedes-after-wilting-in-imola-gp-disappointment/10724189/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Autosport |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2025-05-18 |title=What Piastri should've done against Verstappen's 'win or bin' move |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/what-piastri-shouldve-done-against-verstappens-win-or-bin-move/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=The Race |language=en}} At Monaco, Russell finished eleventh after his qualifying was derailed by an electrical failure.{{Cite news |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2025-05-25 |title=Here's why George Russell received a drive-through penalty at F1 Monaco GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/heres-why-george-russell-received-a-drive-through-penalty-at-f1s-monaco-gp/10726624/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |work=Motorsport.com}} At Barcelona, Russell qualified fourth and finished fourth,{{Cite news |last=Pryson |first=Mike |date=2025-05-31 |title=F1 Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying Is Another 'Mega' Day for McLaren |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a64934886/f1-spanish-grand-prix-qualifying-another-mega-mclaren/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=Autoweek}} which belied a chaotic race in which Russell lost two places at the start, undercut Lewis Hamilton, and passed Max Verstappen in the closing laps after a safety car restart. The Verstappen incident was particularly controversial: after tussling with Russell and Charles Leclerc, the Dutchman was asked to give back fourth place to Russell, which proved to be a strategy error on Red Bull's part. An infuriated Verstappen slowed down before bumping wheels with Russell (he ultimately gave up the place and received a ten-second penalty).{{Cite news |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=2025-06-01 |title=George Russell: Disqualify Max Verstappen for ‘deliberate’ crash |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2025/06/01/max-verstappen-vs-george-russell-crash-breakdown/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{efn|Verstappen said that his move was "not right and shouldn't have happened", but claimed it was a "misjudgment";{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jon |date=2025-06-02 |title=Verstappen concedes Russell clash shouldn't have happened |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-says-russell-f1-spanish-gp-clash-should-not-happen/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=The Race |language=en}} several commentators thought it was intentional.{{Cite web |last=Mee |first=Lydia |date=2025-06-01 |title=Rosberg questions Max Verstappen's "lenient" Spanish GP penalty: "That's a black flag" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/rosberg-questions-max-verstappens-lenient-spanish-gp-penalty-thats-a-black-flag/10728782/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Motorsport.com}}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2025-06-02 |title=Mark Hughes: Needless F1 team order enraged already-beaten Verstappen |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/mark-hughes-enraged-verstappen-was-already-beaten-before-needless-team-order/ |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2025-06-02 |title=Should Verstappen have been disqualified from the Spanish GP? Our writers have their say |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/should-verstappen-have-been-disqualified-from-the-spanish-gp-our-writers-have-their-say/10728883/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKqlhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFOMzRzWk52RGF1aWVYcENXAR6ZnsqynhgKyCpP8KbI1O2c4NRDSrAv8Cp5T3kRcMea3aiX0SxXYUpPNeajIQ_aem_X7nF8SB3Rm0A-hVdPIKO7Q |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=www.autosport.com |language=en}}}} During this tripleheader, Mercedes was generally uncompetitive on track and suffered from major reliability issues, prompting Toto Wolff to lament his team's "suffering".

According to Williams' Dave Robson, Russell is an instinctive driver who can adapt to a variety of cars.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2021-12-16 |title=Autosport 2021 Top 50: #12 George Russell |url=https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-2021-top-50-12-george-russell/6885283/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211217092435/https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-2021-top-50-12-george-russell/6885283/ |archive-date=2021-12-17 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} He has specifically been noted for controlling cars that are unstable when entering corners.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Ben |date=2022-12-16 |title=Which current F1 drivers can drive around a car's problems? |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/which-current-f1-drivers-can-drive-around-a-cars-problems/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=The Race |language=en}} Compared to his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, Russell brakes earlier, turns later, and "carries more speed through the corner and exiting it."{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2024-08-16 |title=What Hamilton hates about driving F1's current cars |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lewis-hamilton-f1-ground-effect-cars-driving-style-clash/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=The Race |language=en}} During the 2024 season, the racing press suggested that Russell's style might be a better fit for the present generation of ground effect cars than Hamilton's,{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2024-12-19 |title=Revealed: Why 2024 Mercedes sapped Lewis Hamilton's pace |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2025/10/revealed-why-2024-mercedes-sapped-lewis-hamiltons-pace/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}} with Mark Hughes adding that Mercedes' successful midseason upgrades accentuated this F1-wide trend.

In his junior and early career, Russell's smooth driving style was compared to that of Jenson Button. However, Robson (who worked with both Russell and Button at Williams and McLaren, respectively) suggested that Russell sought to strike a balance between Button and Lewis Hamilton. Since joining Mercedes, Russell adapted his driving to take more aggressive and direct V-shaped approaches into corners, drawing comparisons to Mika Häkkinen,{{Cite news |last1=Chandhok |first1=Karun |last2=Kalinauckas |first2=Alex |date=2024-01-26 |title=The driving style secrets of F1's current stars |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-driving-style-secrets-of-f1s-current-stars/10568984/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240301050256/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-driving-style-secrets-of-f1s-current-stars/10568984/ |archive-date=2024-03-01 |access-date=2024-12-20 |work=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ww0ESV3Z1A |title=The Secret To George Russell's Smooth Driving Style |date=2024-08-10 |last=F1Unchained |access-date=2024-12-20 |via=YouTube}} although Jolyon Palmer argued that compared to Russell, Hamilton's V-shapes are more distinct.{{Cite web |title=How Russell pushes the limits in high speed corners {{!}} Racing ID |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/video/how-russell-pushes-the-limits-in-high-speed-corners-racing-id.1790170576769102317 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} Palmer also noted that Russell takes particularly wide exits out of corners to generate as much speed as possible, and said that Russell's precise car control allows him to survive risky turns.

Throughout his career, Russell has consistently been praised for his qualifying pace. At Williams, the Briton drove an unimpressive car to unexpectedly high grid placements on several occasions,{{Cite news |last=Austin |first=Dan |date=2021-12-18 |title=Formula 1 driver power rankings for 2021 after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.the-independent.com/f1/f1-driver-ratings-power-ranking-2021-b1978702.html |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=The Independent}} most notably Spa 2021 (second) and Sochi 2021 (third).{{Cite web |date=2021-09-02 |title=Latifi says 'impressive' Russell's Mr Saturday tag is misleading, as Leclerc backs Briton for Mercedes seat {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/latifi-says-impressive-russells-mr-saturday-tag-is-misleading-as-leclerc.6WpGAz9hoorCwF3fhHvVnN |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}}{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2021-09-27 |title=10 things we learned from F1's 2021 Russian Grand Prix |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/10-things-we-learned-from-f1s-2021-russian-grand-prix/6677198/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240919012620/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/10-things-we-learned-from-f1s-2021-russian-grand-prix/6677198/ |archive-date=2024-09-19 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=Motorsport.com |language=en}} He outqualified teammates Robert Kubica and Nicholas Latifi 57 out of 59 times.{{Cite web |last=Haldenby |first=Nicky |date=2021-12-31 |title=Nicholas Latifi's 2021 F1 season in statistics - Lights Out ●●●●● |url=https://www.lightsoutblog.com/nicholas-latifis-2021-f1-season-in-statistics/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=www.lightsoutblog.com}} Russell acquired the nickname "Mr. Saturday" for his Williams qualifying feats,{{Cite web |last=Clancy |first=Rebecca |date=2021-09-07 |title=George Russell: Lewis Hamilton's new team-mate is confident, popular and known as 'Mr Saturday' |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/george-russell-is-confident-popular-and-known-as-mr-saturday-fzlt6mlpl |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-26 |title=P11 'so satisfying' says Russell as Williams impress in Styria qualifying on hunt for first points {{!}} Formula 1 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/p11-so-satisfying-says-russell-as-williams-impress-in-styria-qualifying-on.4yc85RSLWKA7D9AL6b05Zu |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} although he has downplayed the nickname, explaining that the goal is to win on Sunday.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-03-21 |title=Formula 1 Driver George Russell Replies to Fans on the Internet |url=https://www.gq.com/video/watch/gq-sports-actually-me-george-russell-hype-cover |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=GQ}}

At Mercedes, Russell became the only teammate in Lewis Hamilton's career (Hamilton being Formula One's all-time leader in pole positions) to outqualify him head-to-head during their time as teammates (39–29).{{Cite web |last=McDonagh |first=Connor |date=2024-12-07 |title=George Russell joins exclusive club with qualifying triumph over Lewis Hamilton |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1061372/1/george-russell-joins-exclusive-club-qualifying-triumph-over-lewis-hamilton |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=www.crash.net}} Although Hamilton outqualified Russell 13–9 in their first season together, Russell reached parity in 2023 and beat Hamilton 19–5 in 2024, becoming one of only two teammates (the other being 2016 champion Nico Rosberg) to outqualify him in a single season.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-31 |title=F1: Final 2024 team-mate qualifying and race head-to-head scores featuring Lewis Hamilton vs George Russell and more |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12028/13274967/f1-final-2024-team-mate-qualifying-and-race-head-to-head-scores-featuring-lewis-hamilton-vs-george-russell-and-more |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}

According to Karun Chandhok, Russell "is generally one of the cleanest racers" in F1.{{Cite web |last=Chandhok |first=Karun |date=2023-04-29 |title="I understand why Max was upset..." |url=https://x.com/karunchandhok/status/1652327537291190278 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Twitter}} Several drivers have noted Russell's clean racing on track, including teammate Lewis Hamilton{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title='Neither of us are silly' says Hamilton after Russell battle |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/neither-of-us-are-silly-says-hamilton-as-he-bests-russell-in-mercedes-mexico.21dukBtjffXIAdbTxXkWTy |access-date=2024-12-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website}} and Sebastian Vettel.{{Cite web |last=Gale |first=Ewan |date=2021-10-25 |title=Vettel praises "fair" Russell racecraft after points return |url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/71325/vettel-praises-fair-russell-racecraft-after-points-return/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=GPfans}} In addition, at the 2022 British Grand Prix, Russell jumped out of his car to check on Zhou Guanyu following a major first-lap crash, even though it triggered his own retirement from the race.{{Cite web |date=4 July 2022 |title='I wanted to see if I could help' – Russell on his post-Zhou crash reaction, and why he was frustrated not to take the restart |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-wanted-to-see-if-i-could-help-russell-on-his-brave-post-zhou-crash.1W0qQ5zoChzwYaIpcbhWG2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704115526/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-wanted-to-see-if-i-could-help-russell-on-his-brave-post-zhou-crash.1W0qQ5zoChzwYaIpcbhWG2.html |archive-date=4 July 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022 |website=Formula1}} (The crash occurred after Pierre Gasly and Russell collided at the start of the race, bumping Russell into Zhou.{{Cite news |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2022-07-03 |title=British Grand Prix: George Russell says Formula 1 needs to learn from Zhou Guanyu crash |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/62031509 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}) However, after Russell questioned Charles Leclerc's defensive tactics during the 2023 British Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur noted that Russell had used similar tactics to defend his position in prior races, explaining that "that's life" in Formula One.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-10 |title=Ferrari boss hits back at George Russell over Charles Leclerc criticism |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/10/f1-george-russell-called-out-after-slamming-charles-leclerc-at-british-gp-19100260/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Metro |language=en}}

Russell's racecraft has received some criticism, as Russell has not always converted high grid placements into high finishes. As a rookie, Russell was plagued by poor starts; that year, "he started lap two behind [teammate Robert] Kubica 11 times despite his qualifying superiority."{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2021-09-07 |title=Is Mercedes swapping one 'Mr Saturday' for another? |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/is-mercedes-swapping-one-mr-saturday-for-another/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=The Race}} More broadly, it took Russell two and a half seasons to score his first points at Williams. The Race responded that Russell's race day struggles at Williams were primarily the fault of the car, reasoning that Russell's strong grid placements at Williams were "in a constant battle against regression to the mean," and it was "inevitable that his Sunday results [were] less impressive." During Russell's years at Williams, Fernando Alonso said that Russell had great natural speed and "surprises me every weekend". Following Russell's second-place finish at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Peter Windsor called Russell's drive "one of the best I've seen in a long, long time", praising his tyre management (Russell nursed a set of used soft tyres for over twenty laps), on-the-fly adjustments to various mechanical issues, and defensive positioning against third-placed Lando Norris, who had the faster car and the tyre advantage at the end of the race.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVrsd8_9-TY |title=2025 F1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX by Peter Windsor |date=2025-04-13 |last=Peter Windsor |access-date=2025-04-13 |via=YouTube}} (2:00-3:33)

Russell's tyre management has alternately been praised and criticised. He was praised for his tyre management at Williams. Upon joining Mercedes, he overextended his tyres on several occasions, contributing to some disappointing results.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Ben |date=2024-06-17 |title=Is Russell too limited to become Mercedes' F1 team leader? |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/is-george-russell-too-error-prone-to-lead-mercedes/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=The Race}} His tyre management received renewed praise during the 2024 season, following strong performances at Spa,{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-07-29 |title=Were Russell's Worn Tyres the Cause of His Spa F1 Disqualification? |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/were-russells-worn-tyres-the-cause-of-his-spa-f1-disqualification/10640095/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Motorsport.com}} Austin,{{Cite web |last=Szabo |first=Balazs |date=2024-10-21 |title=Mercedes takes delight in encouraging tyre management after tough Austin weekend |url=https://www.f1technical.net/news/25665 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=www.f1technical.net}} and Monaco.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQqfkALAwvQ |title=2024 F1 Monaco GP analysis by Peter Windsor |date=2024-05-26 |last=Peter Windsor |access-date=2025-03-05 |via=YouTube}} (8:30-8:33)

Although Russell prioritized consistency during his first season with Mercedes, he began taking greater risks in the following seasons, and committed several high-profile mistakes, notably during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, where Motor Sport thought he botched Mercedes' first real chance at a win since 2022.{{Cite web |last=Kisby |first=Cambridge |date=2024-06-13 |title=Does George Russell make too many mistakes? |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/opinions/does-george-russell-make-too-many-mistakes/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine}} Following that race, Russell admitted that he "need[s] to dial down the risk/reward [ratio] of how hard I'm driving," but explained that "I'd prefer finishing P6 every race and having two victories rather than finishing P5, P4, P3 every race and not get the race victory."{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-07-03 |title=Russell Hits Back at 'Mistakes Under Pressure' F1 Critics |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-hits-back-at-mistakes-under-pressure-f1-critics/10630711/ |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=Motorsport.com}} He picked up two victories later that season.

{{Main|List of Formula One driver records}}

Russell holds the record for most pit stops in a single race (7 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix), shared with Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Alain Prost. Russell, Stroll, and Lawson all tied Prost's record at the same race.

Russell and Max Verstappen are one of two sets of drivers to tie for P1 in qualifying in Formula One history, at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix. Previously, Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen tied in qualifying at the 1997 European Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=de Celis |first=Jose Carlos |date=2024-06-09 |title=The F1 Rule that Gave Pole to Russell over Verstappen After Setting the Same Time |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-rule-that-gave-pole-to-russell-over-verstappen-after-setting-the-same-time/10621258/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Motorsport.com}} He tied with Verstappen again at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, this time for P3.

At the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, Russell became the sixth driver in Formula One history to lose a race win by disqualification.{{Cite web |last=Hardy |first=Ed |date=2024-06-30 |title=All the F1 Drivers Disqualified After Winning a Grand Prix |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-drivers-to-have-been-disqualified-after-winning-a-grand-prix/10640308/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Motorsport.com}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2022 George Russell (2) (cropped).jpg]]

In March 2021, Russell was appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), the Formula One drivers' trade union. He replaced Romain Grosjean, who had left Formula One for IndyCar.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=23 March 2021 |title=F1 news: Russell replaces Grosjean as GPDA director |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-new-gpda-director-grosjean/5862512/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204317/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russell-new-gpda-director-grosjean/5862512/ |archive-date=24 June 2021 |access-date=23 March 2021 |website=Motorsport.com}} As a director, Russell's primary role is to relay the paddock's concerns about safety, racing quality, and the junior driver pipeline to the GPDA's full-time personnel.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=2023-04-20 |title=George Russell explains what his F1 GPDA director role actually means {{!}} F1 {{!}} Crash |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1024510/1/russell-explains-what-his-f1-gpda-director-role-actually-means |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=www.crash.net}}

In March 2022, Russell agreed to lend his name to the GB4 Championship's pole position trophy. The George Russell Pole Position Cup is awarded to the driver who takes the most pole positions that season. Russell had previously won the Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup during his title-winning campaign in BRDC Formula 4 in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.gb-4.net/news/2022/gb4-championship-to-award-george-russell-pole-position-cup-in-2022|title=GB4 CHAMPIONSHIP TO AWARD GEORGE RUSSELL POLE POSITION CUP IN 2022|website=gb-4.net|accessdate=21 September 2022|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921161656/https://www.gb-4.net/news/2022/gb4-championship-to-award-george-russell-pole-position-cup-in-2022|url-status=live}}

Like many Formula One drivers, Russell has participated in the Formula 1: Drive to Survive television show, explaining in 2024 that while he understands some "people are upset that everything is dramatized" in the show, he accepts the show's style as long as it draws new fans into the sport.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-27 |title=George Russell is Okay with Fakery of Netflix F1 Series 'Drive to Survive' |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a46996112/george-russell-okay-fakery-netflix-f1-drive-survive/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Autoweek |language=en-US}} The show's coverage of Russell has primarily focused on his efforts to join and stay at Mercedes. The fourth season (2022) traces his efforts to obtain the second Mercedes seat for 2022, when Valtteri Bottas' contract expired, and includes a scene in which Toto Wolff informs Russell of his promotion, which Motor Sport thought was staged for the cameras.{{Cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=2022-03-03 |title=F1 Drive to Survive Season 4: Episode synopsis |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/drive-to-survive/f1-drive-to-survive-season-4-episode-synopsis/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}} The seventh season (2025) details Russell's efforts to earn a leadership role at Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton announced his departure for Ferrari, and suggested that Russell secured his place in Mercedes by winning the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, when in reality, he was disqualified from that race. Russell was also a featured narrator in the episode about the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=2025-03-07 |title=What happens in Drive to Survive Season 7? Episode Synopsis |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/what-happens-in-drive-to-survive-s7-episode-synopsis/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}

Since 2020, Russell has been dating Carmen Montero Mundt, a former business student at the University of Westminster. The couple live together in Monaco. The two were introduced by mutual friends over "dinner and drinks" in London.{{cite web |last1=England |first1=Adam |date=22 February 2024 |title=Who Is George Russell's Girlfriend? All About Carmen Montero Mundt |url=https://people.com/who-is-carmen-montero-mundt-george-russell-8400095 |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=People.com}}{{cite web |last1=Biswas |first1=Sabyasachi |date=13 April 2024 |title="Now We're Back Together!": GF Carmen Elated to Move in With George Russell; Prepares to Leave London |url=https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-now-were-back-together-gf-carmen-elated-to-move-in-with-george-russell-prepares-to-leave-london/ |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=thesportsrush.com}} He moved to Monaco in 2022.

Within Formula One, Russell is particularly close friends with Alex Albon,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8nBzCTdalU |title=Meet The 2025 Formula 1 Drivers! |date=2025-03-10 |last=FORMULA 1 |access-date=2025-03-10 |via=YouTube}} (4:18-4:21){{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDs3mFD-t3M |title=George Russell & Alex Albon Take On The Compliment Challenge! |date=2024-09-28 |last=FORMULA 1 |access-date=2025-03-10 |via=YouTube}} as well as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, with whom he and Albon streamed racing games on Twitch during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-23 |title='We're there for each other' – Albon on the camaraderie of F1's 'Twitch' generation {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/were-there-for-each-other-albon-on-the-camaraderie-of-f1s-twitch-generation.1IEbirL0eRz6mShqtxRJS0 |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} Russell said that Albon helped him get into a top karting team, and Albon said that Russell campaigned for Williams to give him Russell's open seat after Russell left for Mercedes.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2021-09-18 |title=Albon owes Russell 'a couple of beers' for Williams F1 seat |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-owes-russell-beer-williams-seat/6668077/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230204092345/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/albon-owes-russell-beer-williams-seat/6668077/ |archive-date=2023-02-04 |access-date=2025-03-05 |work=Motorsport.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=ANALYSIS: Why Williams chose Albon as Russell's replacement – and retained Latifi for 2022 {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/analysis-why-williams-chose-albon-as-russells-replacement-and-retained.5mBd30IWzau4VeFiwt9C4g |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |language=en}} He is also friends with Fernando Alonso, who has called him a "future world champ".{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2024-12-06 |title=Russell v Verstappen - what's going on? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cevg9w8440ko |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}

Russell is a fan of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, where his father is a season-ticket holder. He was a special guest at Molineux in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Townley |first=John |date=2021-09-07 |title=Rising F1 star George Russell makes brilliant Wolves admission |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rising-f1-star-george-russell-21509522 |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Birmingham Live}}{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=15 December 2020 |title=George Russell football team: Who does the F1 star support? |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1372942/George-Russell-football-team-support-Wolves-Russell-F1-evg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330103950/https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/1372942/George-Russell-football-team-support-Wolves-Russell-F1-evg |archive-date=30 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=Express.co.uk}}

Russell is vocal about mental health issues. He works with a psychologist and claims that it helps him perform better on track.{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Daniel |date=1 February 2023 |title=Formula 1 Driver George Russell Talks Therapy, Masculinity and 'Mental Maintenance' |url=https://www.menshealth.com/uk/mental-strength/a42728574/george-russell-mental-health/ |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=Men's Health}}

^† As Russell was a guest driver, he was ineligible for championship points.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

† As Russell was a guest driver, he was ineligible for points

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate points for the fastest lap of top ten finishers)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{smallsup|{{double-dagger}}}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

{{smallsup|{{dagger}}}} Did not finish but was classified, as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|George Russell}}

• {{official website|https://www.georgerussell63.com/}}
• {{DriverDB driver|george-russell}}
• [http://www.brdc.co.uk/George-Russell British Racing Drivers' Club profile]

{{Navboxes

| title = George Russell achievements

| list1 =

{{s-start}}

{{s-sports}}

{{succession box|title=BRDC Formula 4 Championship
Champion|before=Jake Hughes|after=Will Palmer|years=2014}}

{{Succession box| before = Charles Leclerc | title = GP3 Series
Champion | after = Anthoine Hubert | years = 2017}}

{{Succession box| before = Charles Leclerc | title = FIA Formula 2 Championship
Champion | after = Nyck de Vries | years = {{F2|2018}}}}

{{s-ach|aw}}

{{succession box|title=McLaren Autosport BRDC Award|before=Matt Parry|after=Will Palmer|years=2014}}

{{succession box

| title = Hawthorn Memorial Trophy

| before = Lewis Hamilton

| after = Lewis Hamilton

| years = 2022

}}

{{succession box

| title = Lorenzo Bandini Trophy

| before = Lando Norris

| after = Oscar Piastri

| years = 2024

}}

{{s-end}}

{{FIA Formula 2 Drivers' Champions}}

{{FIA Formula 3 Drivers' Champions}}

{{McLaren Autosport BRDC Award}}

}}

{{Formula One teams}}

{{Mercedes in Formula One}}

{{Williams}}

{{Formula One drivers from the United Kingdom}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Russell, George}}

Category:1998 births

Category:Living people

Category:English Formula One drivers

Category:English racing drivers

Category:Formula Renault Eurocup drivers

Category:FIA Formula 2 Championship drivers

Category:FIA Formula 3 European Championship drivers

Category:Formula Renault 2.0 Alps drivers

Category:GP3 Series Champions

Category:GP3 Series drivers

Category:Karting World Championship drivers

Category:People educated at Wisbech Grammar School

Category:Sportspeople from King's Lynn

Category:Williams Formula One drivers

Category:English Twitch (service) streamers

Category:Mercedes-Benz Formula One drivers

Category:Koiranen GP drivers

Category:Tech 1 Racing drivers

Category:Carlin racing drivers

Category:Hitech Grand Prix drivers

Category:ART Grand Prix drivers

Category:FIA Formula 2 Champions

Category:Formula One race winners