George Russell and Alex Albon, who have known each other since their karting days, recently shared a light-hearted moment that showcased both their friendship and competitive spirit. During the Japanese GP weekend earlier this April, Russell approached Albon about an old backpack that he admired, igniting a playful exchange that perfectly illustrates their relationship.
Despite being fierce competitors on the F1 grid, their camaraderie is evident. Russell referred to Albon as his “hero” in an interview last year, reminiscing how both he and Lando Norris looked up to the talented Thai-British driver during their formative karting days. Such admiration, however, does not prevent the two from engaging in friendly banter, a hallmark of their friendship.
While at the hotel for the Japanese GP, Russell noticed Albon’s stylish backpack and saw an opportunity. In a humorous video released by Williams on YouTube, Russell directly proposed an unconventional deal to Albon, saying, “He just got a new one, so I’m like, can I have the old one?” Albon, caught off guard, burst out laughing, initially assuming the Briton was joking—a misconception that Russell was keen to correct.
Russell pressed Albon for the backpack, asking, “Can I?” not just once, but twice. Albon fired back with playful sarcasm, pointing out that Russell, who earns a staggering $15 million a year from Mercedes, hardly needed to beg for a bag. “He’s jealous of my bag,” Albon teased. “It’s not like he’s making enough money!” This banter underscores the contrast in their earnings, with Albon’s salary of $8 million seemingly overshadowed by Russell’s lucrative contract.
Despite Russell’s persistent efforts to secure the bag for free, Albon remained resolute, leaving the Mercedes driver empty-handed. The humorous exchange ended with Russell wishing Albon a “good day” as they parted ways, but the question lingered: would Russell get even by flaunting something Albon could never acquire?
In their chance encounter at the hotel, Russell also had the opportunity to impress Albon with his latest luxury possession: the Mercedes AMG-One, a supercar inspired by F1 racing. They had previously arranged to meet in Monaco, where Russell showcased the remarkable vehicle that costs an eye-watering $2.7 million, with only 277 units ever produced. Albon, visibly amazed, likely appreciated the spectacle, knowing that owning such a car is well beyond reach for most, including himself.
This playful rivalry mixed with genuine admiration paints a vivid picture of Russell and Albon’s friendship. While the bag banter brought laughs, it also highlighted the broader context of their careers—the constant competition, the financial stakes in F1, and the value of friendship shared through the ups and downs of racing. As both drivers continue to rise in Formula 1, fans eagerly await more exchanges filled with humor and camaraderie, bringing a sense of warmth to the sport’s intense atmosphere.
