George Russell celebrates his 28th birthday this Sunday, February 15, 2026

Born in King's Lynn, England, George Russell built his career away from the spotlight before rising to prominence through sheer hard work. Like many of his peers, it was in karting where he honed his skills. Very quickly, his attention to detail and rigor impressed observers. Junior European Champion CIK-FIA in 2012 and 2013, he then climbed the ranks in the junior formulas with remarkable consistency. In 2014, he won the British Formula 4 title, then distinguished himself in Formula 3 European where he raced for two seasons. The Briton honed his driving skills to finish sixth in the 2015 championship, then third in 2016 against drivers he would later face again, such as Lance stroll, champion that year.

It is mainly in GP3 that the driver Mercedes Benz He's taken things to another level. Announced as a Mercedes test driver at the start of the year, he became champion of the category in 2017. He confirmed his talent the following year by dominating the Formula 2, direct antechamber of the F1In 2018, he won the title ahead of Lando Norris and Alex AlbonThis GP3-F1 double in two consecutive seasons cements his reputation: that of a driver capable of learning quickly, managing a championship and delivering in decisive moments.

In 2019, he joined Formula 1 with WilliamsThe British team was going through a particularly difficult period on the track. The results didn't reflect the young driver's potential, as he was often relegated to the back of the grid. However, Russell impressed with his commitment to getting the most out of a car in the background. Despite this, he finished last in the championship, with no points scored and two retirements, just behind his teammate, Robert Kubica, who scored only one point during this season.

The Mercedes gamble and the assertion at the top

The year 2020 marked an unexpected turning point. Called upon to replace at short notice Lewis HamiltonHaving tested positive for Covid-19 during the Sakhir Grand Prix, George Russell experienced the world of Mercedes for a weekend. Immediately finding his rhythm, he fought for the win and came very close to a resounding victory, much like a Max VerstappenUltimately hampered by a strategic problem and a late puncture, he had to settle for ninth position. This performance confirmed to the paddock that he has the makings of a top-level rider.

In 2022, George Russell officially joined Mercedes. Alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, he was expected to take his career to the next level. In a season marked by the challenges of the new technical regulations, he demonstrated valuable consistency and achieved several podium finishes. He finally secured his first Formula 1 victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, becoming one of the few British drivers to win at the highest level in recent years, along with Lewis Hamilton.

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Now Kimi Antonelli's teammate, following Lewis Hamilton's departure for Classic Ferrari for sale In 2025, the Briton established himself as a leader for the German team. Fourth in the 2025 season, behind the drivers McLaren and Max Verstappen, George Russell is touted as one of the favorites for this 2026 season, especially after all the rumors concerning the Mercedes engine.