George Russell recreated a famous image of his former Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton, after winning the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Circuit on October 5, 2025. Russell dominated the 62-lap race, starting from pole position and finishing ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris, delivering another key success for Mercedes at this year’s Formula 1 season.
Overcoming Past Challenges to Claim Victory
For Russell, Singapore had previously been a difficult venue, with last year’s race ending in a late crash that denied him a potential win. Despite a heavy crash during the second practice session on Friday, which limited his track time, Russell bounced back and set a lap record in qualifying to secure pole position. He maintained control throughout the race, leading comfortably to the chequered flag.
Reflecting on the moment on Instagram, Russell said,
“Back in 2018 I was here with Mercedes watching Lewis take an insane pole and win. I remember seeing him take a very cool pic on the circuit after the win and of myself dreaming of being in F1. 7 years later, it’s a special moment for me to win here in Singapore and to celebrate the moment with my team.”
George Russell
Recalling Hamilton’s Iconic 2018 Performance
Lewis Hamilton’s own success in Singapore in 2018 is well remembered, as it was Mercedes’ third consecutive victory at the circuit. Although the team struggled for pace during the earlier sessions that weekend, Hamilton delivered one of the most remarkable qualifying laps in F1 history to take pole and then control the race from the front. Russell’s tribute photo replicates Hamilton’s now-iconic post-race grid celebration, symbolizing a passing of the torch seven years later.
Challenges for Hamilton in This Year’s Race
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, had a tougher weekend in Singapore in 2025. After a late push that seemed likely to secure a fifth-place finish, a brake failure forced him to coast across the line. Additionally, track limit infringements during the closing laps resulted in a five-second penalty, which dropped him from seventh to eighth place in the final classification.
Season Implications and Team Standings
Russell’s win marked his second victory of the 2025 season, following his earlier success at the Canadian Grand Prix. The results bolster Mercedes’ position in the constructors’ championship, placing them second as Ferrari continues to struggle. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s strong performance in Singapore reinforced his status as a championship contender, finishing immediately behind Russell for Red Bull.
Looking Ahead for Mercedes and Russell
Russell’s ability to overcome setbacks during practice and deliver a dominating performance under pressure reflects both his growth as a driver and the team’s competitive strength. By recreating Lewis Hamilton’s iconic photo, he not only honored his predecessor but also signaled his rising stature within Formula 1. This moment could serve as a catalyst for further successes as the season progresses, with Mercedes aiming to close the gap on Red Bull and keep Ferrari at bay in the constructors’ race.
Seven years later 🥹
George recreates Lewis' iconic post-race grid pic ✨#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/9ePFpp38Hf
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 5, 2025
