At first, he was annoyed. He said he doesn’t understand why his friends are teasing him. Now, shirtless images are already assumed to be trademarked. George Russell has barely gone on vacation to Formula 1, on his traditional August break for the class, and has already posted a picture on his social media showing his chest. “Vacation mode activated. See you in a few weeks.”
Friends Alex Albon and Lando Norris did not comment this time. They are tired of making fun of the Mercedes driver for his ego. The last time was when Russell posted a photo during the heat wave that sent thermometers above 40C for the first time in the UK in July. At the time, Albon was amused that Russell was in an unbuttoned shirt playing croquet, something that falls between cricket and bocce and not one of the most physically demanding sports.
“If you’re wearing a shirt, you don’t have to unbutton all the buttons. Either put it on or take it off. What’s more, if you play croquet, which is one of the least physically challenging games in the world. But he obviously loves it, it’s very clear” .
Albon went so far as to describe his friend as “the kind of guy who takes off his shirt to get an X-ray at the airport” in an interview with Sky Sports in England.
Another longtime friend of the Englishman, who also refers to George’s obsession with posting shirtless photos, Lando Norris gave advice: If you want touch-ups on how to take care of your body and look good in your Instagram photos, you know who to look for.
“George is good with selfies, Instagram. He’s so focused on his body. So if you want to get fit and if you’re in the mood for shirtless photos, talk to George.”
The joke has been healthy since the Englishman’s arrival in Formula 1, in 2019. Friends even thought the shirtless photo craze would end along with Russell’s isolation, but they got frustrated: he stayed the same after he started dating for real.
The only thing that has changed over time is his confidence. Before, the 24-year-old pilot was somewhat embarrassed when asked about it. Now he has gained fame. “I never know what to say when asked about it. It’s hot, they should leave me alone!”
This season, Russell is not content with just paying attention to his photos on social media. The first time he had a chance in a top team, at Mercedes, he had a great season, marked by the consistency of a driver who won titles in all the categories he played at base. After 13 of the 22 stages, he finished fourth and ahead of seven-time champion and teammate Lewis Hamilton, having taken his first position at the last Grand Prix, which was held in Hungary.
