At Silverstone Free Practice during the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend, Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell arrived in a striking Mercedes-Benz C111, a rare and valuable classic car. Built as an experimental vehicle series during the late 1960s and early 1970s, the C111 was first revealed publicly in 1969 at the Frankfurt IAA motor show. This car served as a testbed for advanced automotive technologies such as Wankel rotary engines, diesel powertrains, and turbochargers.
Designed under the guidance of the late Italian designer Bruno Sacco, only 16 units of the C111 were ever produced. The model is especially notable among car enthusiasts for its pioneering engineering. Russell arrived at the Silverstone circuit in a yellow and black variant, drawing considerable attention from fans and media alike. The vehicle’s value is estimated to be between $20 million and $30 million, as it has never been sold commercially.
In addition to the C111, Russell was seen earlier at the event driving a Mercedes AMG One, a modern high-performance vehicle worth over $3.4 million, further increasing his visibility during the weekend.
George Russell Addresses His Future with Mercedes Amid Contract Speculation
Alongside the buzz surrounding the rare Mercedes C111, George Russell’s contract status with Mercedes has also been a topic of great interest. His current agreement with the Brackley-based team expires at the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Rumors have intensified due to Mercedes reportedly considering Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, for their 2026 lineup. These developments have raised questions about Russell’s long-term place in the team.
Speaking to the media at Silverstone, Russell emphasized a professional approach to the ongoing uncertainty around his contract and the team’s driver lineup.
“Every team has two seats available, and it’s normal that every team is considering what the future holds. I don’t take that personally, because I made it clear from the beginning I’m happy to be team mates with anybody.” —George Russell, Formula 1 Driver
He also expressed his desire to remain with Mercedes despite the speculation:
“Of course there’s lots of conversations, lots of rumours and all of these are being pointed towards me, but from my side feel that isn’t really going to be the case. I want to continue with Mercedes into the future. The fact is Toto Wolff has never let me down – he’s always given me his word but he’s also got to do what’s right for his team.” —George Russell, Formula 1 Driver
Ongoing 2025 Season and What Lies Ahead for Russell
The 2025 Formula 1 season still has 13 more Grand Prix races scheduled, leaving ample time for Mercedes to finalize decisions regarding their driver roster for 2026. George Russell, who has been racing with the Mercedes team since 2022, has achieved four Grand Prix victories to date, proving his competitive merit within the squad. His relationship with team principal Toto Wolff appears built on trust and mutual respect, yet uncertainties remain as the team plans for the future.
Russell’s memorable appearance at Silverstone with the historic C111 has added a symbolic touch to his ongoing narrative at Mercedes, highlighting both the team’s rich heritage and the evolving landscape of Formula 1. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as contract discussions unfold and the 2026 season approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. In the last laps of the race in Barcelona, Verstappen hit the side of Russell’s car in anger. This action nearly led to a one-race suspension for him.
Q. What happened with George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. In Montreal, George Russell mentioned he did not think Max Verstappen would admit fault for their collision in Spain. According to Russell, Verstappen usually doesn’t do that. During the final laps of the Barcelona race, Verstappen aggressively hit Russell’s car. This incident almost resulted in Verstappen facing a one-race suspension.
