George Russell recently shared his personal selection of the top four all-time athletes, highlighting his admiration for sporting legends across various disciplines. The Mercedes Formula 1 driver made these remarks following his fifth-place finish at Monza, as the team prepared for the upcoming race in Baku. His choices reflect a blend of childhood heroes and peers who have left a lasting impact on him.
In a video released by Mercedes on YouTube, Russell was asked to name his Mount Rushmore of sports icons. Without hesitation, he listed four champions spanning basketball, athletics, golf, and Formula 1:
“My Mount Rushmore top four athletes of all time is a tough one. I think I’ll go Michael Jordan. It’s got to be Usain Bolt is definitely there. Got to be Lewis (Hamilton) as well. And then I don’t want to be controversial saying (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi, so I’ll go different sport. I’ll go Tiger Woods. Let me know what you think, and who yours are?”
—George Russell, Mercedes F1 Driver
Russell’s lineup underscores his regard for athletes who have dominated their fields. Michael Jordan’s legendary influence on basketball, Usain Bolt’s remarkable sprinting records, and Tiger Woods’ transformative impact on golf each represent milestones of excellence. Including Lewis Hamilton not only honours a key figure in Formula 1 but also reflects Russell’s personal connection with his teammate and mentor.
For Russell, Hamilton has been a benchmark since his youth. The seven-time world champion served as an inspiration as Russell grew up, and that respect has endured through three seasons sharing the Mercedes garage. Between 2022 and 2024, Russell outscored Hamilton in two seasons while securing three race wins compared to Hamilton’s two, demonstrating his rising stature within the team.
In the current season, Russell has continued to deliver strong results for Mercedes, with six podium finishes so far, while Hamilton searches for his first top-three finish after moving to Ferrari. Despite their competitive dynamic, Russell’s admiration remains evident as he acknowledges Hamilton’s influence on his career.
Current Status of George Russell’s Mercedes Contract Negotiations
Throughout 2025, the question of George Russell’s future at Mercedes has remained a focal point in Formula 1 news. Both Russell and new teammate Kimi Antonelli have contracts expiring at the end of this year, fueling speculation about team plans. Early rumors suggested Mercedes might pursue Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, a possibility even acknowledged by team principal Toto Wolff, although those discussions have since quieted down.
No new contracts have been signed yet, leaving Russell’s seat technically open but with ongoing negotiations stretching longer than expected. The British driver has been firm on contract details, leading to scrutiny and advice from former Mercedes world champion Nico Rosberg, who expressed empathy for Russell’s situation.
“It is horrible to negotiate with Toto, he just disappears off Planet Earth when you’re trying to get better terms… I suffered a lot,”
—Nico Rosberg, Former Mercedes World Champion
Rosberg highlighted that the issues Russell faces focus on the finer points, such as salary alignment with other top drivers like Lando Norris and the demands around sponsor obligations, which can require up to 60 days per year. These factors contribute to the prolonged talks but are not questioning Russell’s place within the team.
With Verstappen’s move to Red Bull locked in only from 2026, Mercedes needs certainty and stability for 2026 and beyond, making Russell’s position on the team vital. His consistent performances on the track give him considerable leverage, and the resolution of his contract will depend on when he and Toto Wolff reach an agreement. Meanwhile, Russell continues to focus on racing and contributing to the team’s success.
