GEORGE
RUSSELL
car 63

Mercedes team leader after Hamilton's exit. Russell carries the Brackley title hopes and the rookie Antonelli on the other side of the garage.

Titles: 0
Race wins: 4
Podiums: 17
Poles: 5

KINGS LYNN

The understudy who became the lead.

By the iGR Paddock desk · Reviewed 03/06/2026 · Data via Formula 1, jolpica-f1 and OpenF1

George Russell spent three years dragging a hopeless Williams around, and never stopped believing he belonged at the front.

Russell won the GP3 and Formula 2 titles back to back, then landed at backmarker Williams in 2019. He could not score for love nor money, yet he kept out-driving the car. His big audition came in 2020, when he stood in for Hamilton at Mercedes and nearly won on debut, only for a pit error and a puncture to rob him.

Mercedes signed him properly for 2022. He won in Brazil that year, won more races as the team recovered, and after Hamilton left he became the clear team leader. In 2025 he was Mercedes' main points scorer as they took second in the Constructors. Steady, sharp, and still improving, he is waiting for his shot at a title.

For the fans

Russell is the polished professional who earned his seat the hard way. The Saturday qualifying speed and the cool racecraft make him easy to back.

Punter's angle

Russell is a reliable points and podium pick when the Mercedes is healthy, less so for outright wins unless the car is top tier. His qualifying strength makes out-qualify-teammate and front-row props worth a look, especially against a younger partner.

02 / 04 // FACTS

The file.

Born: 15/02/1998Monte Carlo, MC
Nationality: England
Career starts: 141
Fastest laps: 10

03 / 04 // TEAM

In the car.

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One TeamMercedes · founded 2010 · Brackley

219PTS

Open full Mercedes team profile →

BIOGRAPHY

In their own words.

George William Russell (born 15 February 1998) is a British racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Mercedes. Born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, Russell began karting in 2006 and progressed through 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. On 18 January 2018, Russell was confirmed as a driver for ART Grand Prix for the 2018 FIA F2 Championship, which would see the new Dallara F2/18 make its debut in the expanding 12-race calendar. He was also confirmed as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport F1 Reserve Driver, sharing duties with Pascal Wehrlein on the 22 February 2018.

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CAREER

Career trail.

// Honours and titles

2 honours

From the SportsDB honours record. Junior and senior categories combined.

2018

FIA Formula 2 ChampionshipART Grand Prix

CHAMPION

2017

FIA GP3 SeriesWilliams

CHAMPION

FAQ

Quick questions.

How old is George Russell?

28 years old. Born 15/02/1998 in Monte Carlo, MC.

How many F1 wins does Russell have?

4 race wins across 141 career starts, with 17 podium finishes and 5 pole positions.

What team does Russell drive for?

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Car number 63. Open team profile.

Where can I bet on Russell podium finishes?

We compare Russell podium markets across our SA partner books on every race preview page. Open Punters Edge hub.

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