George Russell is thrilled that the F1 cars are bigger this season
The Mercedes driver George Russell, one of the greatest on the grid, feels more comfortable in the 2022 single-seaters than in those of previous seasons.
Formula 1 drivers are generally not the tallest athletes. The narrowness of the monocoque seats is a disadvantage for taller individuals.
George Russell knows all about it. Measuring 1m86, the new Mercedes driver has had to frequently adapt to find the ideal position behind the steering wheel. During the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, the British driver had to step in last-minute for Lewis Hamilton, who had contracted Covid-19. The Mercedes at the time was not designed for someone of Russell’s height.
In an interview with a sponsor of his team, the native of King’s Lynn revealed his secret to getting into the seven-time world champion’s car: « The car was too small for me. I wear a size 45 shoe. And I had to wear size 43 shoes to be able to fit into the car. My knees were banging against the chassis and my shoulders were rubbing against the sides. »
Lewis Hamilton’s teammate is much more comfortable this year in a molded cocoon around him. « This year, the cockpit is much larger. “It’s like I’m lying on a couch,” jokes Russell.
Finally, the British driver has a thought for his garage neighbor. « Maybe the cockpit is too big for Lewis now, I don’t know », concludes the current second in the championship.
