“My 1st Hero” – George Russell Explains Heartwarming Story Behind Supporting Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is regarded as an inspiration for many of the current drivers on the F1 grid. So it is no surprise to see George Russell talk highly about the 7-times world champion.

The Williams driver revealed a story about when his parents bought him a racing suit, and he fell in love with the German as he won everything. He stated that Michael was his first hero until his fellow countrymen, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton stepped onto the scene.

George Russell admits to being a Michael Schumacher fan

Many of the drivers on the grid see Schumacher as the reason they fell in love with racing. The likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel hold the German in high regard. Another person who sees the 7-times world champion as an inspiration is Russell, who admired Schumi for conquering the world of F1.

Speaking to Bianca Garloff in an exclusive interview with F1Insider, he revealed, “That was Michael Schumacher! My parents bought me a little Michael racing suit when I was about three or years old and was riding a small quad.”

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 29, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during a press conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga

At the time, Michael won everything there was to win in Formula 1. And as a child you just love it when your favorite color, red, is always ahead and wins. So Michael was my first hero. I didn’t really get into Formula 1 until 2009, when Jenson and Lewis won,” Russell concluded.

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A few traits that Russell admired of Michael and other F1 legends

Drivers often try to replicate and learn from those they admired when they were young. The Williams driver opens about the things he noticed in drivers he looked up to, and how F1 is more than just putting in the fastest lap around the circuit.

He said, “I try to pick the best from every great driver. Michael never gave up, gave everything to win. Of course, he was also very talented. Then there were guys like Juan Pablo Montoya who was very aggressive when overtaking.”

Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2021 Williams’ George Russell celebrates after qualifying second Pool via REUTERS/John Thys

“Or Jenson, a real all-rounder – strong in the car and also with the team. Formula 1 is more than just driving. There are only 20 places – and you have to be able to do more than just burn fast lap times into the asphalt,” Russell explained.

Russell must be proud of himself so far this, as his learnings from the great F1 drivers have not gifted the Grove-based outfit their first points of the season at Hungary. But also their best starting position at the Belgian Grand, where he placed second.

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