Breaking: Lewis Hamilton was left ‘annoyed’ as Russell recalls hilarious Mercedes P…read more
Lewis Hamilton ‘Not Amused’ by Old Photo Prank, George Russell Reveals
George Russell has shared a light-hearted behind-the-scenes story from his early days with Mercedes, revealing how a playful prank involving Lewis Hamilton may not have gone down quite as well with the seven-time world champion.
The Mercedes driver recalled the moment during a recent team video appearance alongside his senior race engineer, Marcus Dudley, as the pair reflected on Russell’s first experiences working within the Brackley-based outfit. The anecdote dates back to the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when Russell was still a junior driver within the Mercedes programme and Hamilton was in the midst of one of his most successful seasons in Formula 1.
At the time, Russell was attending the Baku weekend in a reserve and development capacity, eager to make an impression as he familiarised himself with the inner workings of the team. Hamilton, meanwhile, was competing in what would go on to be his third championship-winning campaign with Mercedes.
Recalling their first real interaction, Russell described himself as a somewhat over-enthusiastic presence around the garage, joking that he was likely getting in the way more than helping.
“The first time we properly met would have been in Baku in 2017,” Russell explained. “I was the annoying kid hanging around the office as the reserve driver, trying to get involved and probably being in everyone’s space.”
That weekend, one Mercedes engineer saw an opportunity for some humour. The staff member unearthed an old photograph showing a much younger Russell standing alongside Hamilton, taken years before Russell had reached Formula 1. The image captured Hamilton long before his current fashion-forward image had become a defining part of his public persona.
According to Russell, the engineer printed around 30 copies of the picture and placed them throughout the Mercedes office in the paddock, ensuring the image was impossible to miss.
“I remember Evan, one of the engineers, had printed off a photo of Lewis and me from when I was about 10 years old,” Russell said. “He put it all around the office — there must have been about 30 of them.”
While Russell found the prank amusing and embraced the nostalgia, he believes Hamilton was less impressed by the unexpected blast from the past.
“I thought it was brilliant,” Russell added. “But I think Lewis was more annoyed by it than I was.”
Russell also joked that the timing of the photo may have played a role in Hamilton’s reaction, noting that it was taken long before the Mercedes star had developed the distinctive fashion sense he is now known for.
“This was definitely pre-Lewis fashion era,” Russell said with a laugh. “I don’t think he appreciated that side of it too much.”
Despite the momentary irritation, the story highlights the relaxed and playful culture within Mercedes, as well as the long-standing connection between the two drivers. Years later, Russell would go on to become Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes, forming one of the most high-profile driver pairings on the Formula 1 grid.
What began as an awkward first meeting in Baku has since evolved into a professional partnership marked by mutual respect — even if Hamilton might still prefer that particular photo stays out of circulation.
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