George Russell made a striking appearance at the Silverstone circuit this week, arriving behind the wheel of a rare Mercedes C111 retro supercar that instantly captured attention with its vibrant orange gullwing doors. While Russell had driven the modern AMG ONE during Thursday’s media sessions, it was the vintage Mercedes that dominated the spotlight, perfectly blending heritage with performance at his home race weekend.
The Mercedes C111 is an exceptionally rare model, with only 17 prototypes ever produced, underscoring its significance in Mercedes’ automotive legacy. Originally unveiled at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, this mid-engine supercar served as a technical testbed for the brand, pioneering advancements such as Wankel rotary engines and multi-link rear suspension that shaped future Mercedes vehicles.
This particular C111 model is powered by a 4-rotor engine, a hallmark of the experimental technology Mercedes explored during that era. Notably, in 1978, a diesel-powered version of the C111 reached a remarkable top speed of 210 mph on the Nardo Ring test track. Although the C111 was never intended for mass production, the innovations developed in these prototypes influenced the engineering of later Mercedes road cars.
Celebrating Mercedes’ Future with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX
During the British Grand Prix weekend, Mercedes took the opportunity to showcase the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, a cutting-edge concept car hinting at the company’s future design and engineering direction. The concept is adorned in the same striking Sunset Beam Orange that characterizes the C111, establishing a visual link between past innovation and future ambition. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX features a powerful W16 engine, with touches of the signature orange color highlighting its aggressive styling.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer for Development and Procurement, praised the collaborative efforts behind the new concept car:
“The best minds in our global R&D network have contributed their extensive expertise – from Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen and Untertürkheim to Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach and YASA in the UK to our Formula 1 drivetrain experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth,”
Schäfer said.
“Together, they have developed the CONCEPT AMG GT XX and are providing an insight into pioneering drivetrain technology and the future of performance.”
—Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is displayed alongside the legendary W196, the race car driven by Stirling Moss to victory at the 1955 British Grand Prix, offering fans a glimpse into Mercedes’ rich motorsport heritage as well as its technological evolution.
Pressure Builds for George Russell Amid Team Talks
This weekend carries extra significance for George Russell beyond the celebration of Mercedes’ history and future innovations. Rumors swirling around the paddock suggest that Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, is holding discussions with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen about a potential seat, intensifying speculation about Russell’s future with the team. Amid these conversations, Russell faces mounting pressure to perform strongly at his home race.
Addressing the uncertainty during a recent press conference, Russell emphasized his commitment to Mercedes:
“I’ve been focused on my side, I am loyal to Mercedes,”
the Briton declared.
“So at the end of the day, everything will work itself out.”
—George Russell, Mercedes F1 Driver
He further expressed confidence in his position with the team, stating,
“And the likelihood I’m not at Mercedes next year, I think is exceptionally low.”
This reassurance aims to quell rumors and underline his determination to continue contributing to the brand’s success on the track.
Legacy and Innovation United at Silverstone
George Russell’s arrival in the rare Mercedes C111 supercar served as a powerful reminder of the brand’s ability to blend engineering breakthroughs with iconic design. The car’s vibrant orange hue and upward-opening gullwing doors captivated fans and media alike, symbolizing a thrilling connection between Mercedes’ past laboratory advancements and its forward-looking vision embodied by the CONCEPT AMG GT XX.
As Mercedes continues to push technological boundaries in collaboration with its global research and Formula 1 teams, the British Grand Prix weekend provides a fitting stage to showcase these achievements. Russell’s poised response to the speculation about his career adds a tone of hopeful resilience, reflecting both his loyalty and readiness to meet the challenges ahead.
With the CONCEPT AMG GT XX promising a glimpse into future performance and Russell determined to uphold his place, Mercedes fans have much to anticipate beyond Silverstone’s iconic track this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. During the last part of the Barcelona race, Verstappen, in anger, collided with the side of Russell’s car. This incident almost led to a one-race suspension for him.
