F1 News: Russell Opens Up About Game-Changing £100,000 Prize

George Russell has shared details about a pivotal moment in his racing career that helped him secure a seat with Mercedes . The British driver won £100,000 after clinching a prestigious award at just 16 years old, which he describes as a turning point for him.

Russell's journey in motorsport has been marked by significant achievements, including victories in the British Formula 4 Championship and the Formula 2 world title. However, it was this particular award that caught the attention of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and ultimately led to Russell joining the team in 2022.

As he reflects on his career, Russell emphasizes that while he has had many important moments, this award was crucial in putting him on the radar of top teams. Following Lewis Hamilton's announcement to join Ferrari, Russell is set to take on a leadership role at Mercedes in 2025, alongside newly promoted Formula 2 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Wolff made the decision to promote Antonelli shortly after Hamilton's departure was confirmed, considering other options but ultimately settling on the young talent.

"There are many moments that stand out," Russel said on the Performance People Podcast . 'When I raced in go-karting at 12 years old at a national level, that didn't make me a Formula 1 driver but at the time it was so important to me. When I look back now, that championship win at the age of 12 propelled me to the next step in my career. Then I won the British Formula 4 Championship.

"It's not an F1 race, not a F1 podium or Championship but at the time that was the defining moment in my career because it propelled me to the next step which put me on the radar of Toto Wolff and Mercedes. I signed to Mercedes the following year."