The Lewis Hamilton Mercedes photo story resurfaced this week as George Russell recounted a playful but mischievous moment from the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. This fun episode unfolded within the Mercedes team’s office setting, involving a childhood photo of Russell and Hamilton, printed out and displayed by an engineer—leaving Hamilton less than amused at the widespread prank.
Russell began his association with Mercedes as a junior driver in 2017, a pivotal year for Hamilton as he pursued his third championship with the team. During Russell’s inaugural participation in Baku, the dynamic between the two drivers first took shape amid the high-energy environment typical of a Formula 1 squad. The incident hinged on a team member’s idea to circulate an old photograph of the duo, which became the talk of the office for its comedic effect—though, according to Russell, not everyone was entertained in equal measure.
Inside the Prank: How Humor Played Out at Mercedes HQ
Russell, reflecting with race engineer Marcus Dudley, shed light on their introduction years ago and offered candid, lighthearted insight into the prank. He recalled the comedic setting, describing himself as the “annoying kid” loitering as the reserve driver, and how “Evan,” one of the engineers, printed numerous copies of a photo showing a young Russell standing beside a then less-fashion-savvy Hamilton. These images soon adorned office walls and desk spaces throughout the team’s facility.
First time we met each other would have been… I came to Baku, 2017, that probably was the first time that we met each other,
Russell said to Dudley.
Russell emphasized his amusement, while suggesting that Hamilton may have been especially irritated by the attention to his earlier image. The scenario highlighted the interplay of personalities within the Mercedes camp: Russell’s easygoing approach contrasted with Hamilton’s more reserved reaction to being the target of the joke.
And I think Lewis was more annoyed with it than I was. I thought it was great! This was pre-Lewis’s fashion sense, and I don’t think he appreciated it too much.
—George Russell, Mercedes F1 Driver
Russell’s Path to Racing for Mercedes: From Reserve Driver to Race Winner
Years after the original prank, Russell’s trajectory with Mercedes took a major turn. He was called upon to race for the team at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when Hamilton was sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19. Mercedes temporarily recalled Russell from Williams to stand in for one of Formula 1’s mainstays.
The race weekend quickly turned dramatic, with Russell leading for much of the Grand Prix in an impressively performing Mercedes car. His drive showcased his potential as he chased “Checo” (Sergio Pérez) after a series of setbacks, including a safety car period, a tyre mix-up, and finally, a puncture. This chance for victory slipped away, but Russell still managed to score a podium finish in P2, having demonstrated composure and talent on the big stage.
Yeah, performance engineer, Bono [Peter Bonnington] race engineer,
Russell responded.
Reflecting on the near-win, Russell commented on the car’s intuitive handling and how the missed victory was deeply disappointing yet not a defining moment in his career. He noted the almost surreal ease of racing that Mercedes car, and how fate seemed to intervene at Sakhir that day.
Somebody didn’t want me to win that day. Obviously, that was so painful for me, but my life is no different today, had we won that race or not.
—George Russell, Mercedes F1 Driver
The Ongoing Impact and Legacy of the Mercedes Photo Story
Since joining Mercedes full-time, Russell has added multiple victories to his record, now tallying five Grand Prix wins with the team. The playful beginnings and shared stories—like the Lewis Hamilton Mercedes photo story—continue to illustrate the close-knit, competitive, and sometimes mischievous culture within one of Formula 1’s most successful teams. With figures like Hamilton, Russell, and their dedicated group of engineers and support staff, Mercedes remains at the center of on- and off-track moments that capture the sport’s unique atmosphere.
The friendship and rivalry that now exist between Russell and Hamilton provide an ongoing narrative for fans and team members alike. Their shared experiences, be it a well-timed prank or a dramatic race outcome, contribute to the lore of the Mercedes F1 team as it continues to shape the futures of its drivers and the legacy of Formula 1 itself.
