George William Russell (born February 15, 1998) is a British racing driver who has competed in Formula 1 in 2019.
Early Formula 1 Experience
Russel tested a McLaren MP4-26 at Silverstone in 2015. As a Mercedes Junior driver, he conducted several more tests in Mercedes and Force India machinery, including two free practice sessions. He became a Mercedes reserve driver in 2018.
Williams
Mercedes made arrangements for Russell to sign a three-year contract wit Williams starting in 2019, while continuing to serve as a Mercedes test driver. Williams had been largely uncompetitive during that time, with a second place at the rained out 2021 Belgian Grand Prix being Russell’s best result with the British team.
Russell had also made his Mercedes race debut at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton. A mistake in the pits and a late race puncture cost Russell a potential first win or podium finish, but still scored his first and only points of the season.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team
Russell joined Mercedes in 2022. Despite missing out on the team’s dominant era due to a regulations change, the British driver managed to score his maiden pole position and win in his first year with the team. Russell has been the team’s lead driver since Hamilton made a shock switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season.
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen announced a collaboration with Russell on February 5, 2026. the announcement included the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 George Russell (ref. IW389411) and Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 George Russell (ref. IW328107). Black dials and Russell’s signature blue accents adorn both models, and both feature his driver number “63” on the titanium case back.
Related Pages
References
https://press.iwc.com/limited-edition-george-russell-pilots-watches-en/