George Russell on his first drive as a full-time Mercedes driver

© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd

After the first day of the Abu Dhabi post-season Pirelli test, George Russell gives his thoughts on this first drive as a full-time Mercedes driver.

George Russell took to the track on Tuesday behind the wheels of a 2019 Mercedes mule car to test Pirelli’s 2022 18-inch tyres.

“It’s a strange feeling because I’ve tested with the team numerous times after races, end of season, but here we are again but obviously this is my first time as an official driver for the team,” the Briton said.

“It was a really great day to be back with the guys and learning about these new tyres. It’s always a pleasant experience driving a World Championship-winning car, the 2019 Mercedes.

“And with these 18-inch Pirellis, which seem to be reacting pretty positively – so it was a nice day.”

Russell however says the driving experience will be completely different in next year’s new Formula 1 cars.


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“It felt pretty nice to drive, to be honest. I mean, it’s going to be very different next year as the cars are going to be drastically changed compared to these current cars.

“So there’s not an awful lot you can take away from it but nevertheless, they do react pretty differently to the 13-inch tyres that we’ve raced on previously.

“Let’s hope that carries through into next year and see how they react with the new regulations.”

Since Russell is one of the tallest drivers on the grid, he did have a bit of trouble fitting into the car.

“I’m a bit battered and bruised today, to be honest. It’s pretty damn tight in that car, but next year it’ll be much better and I’ll have a bit more room to breathe.

“So I’m looking forward to that, but you suck it up, get on with it and I’ve got all of Christmas to recover,” the young Briton concluded.

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