George Russell on Developing His Personal Style

      George Russell is not your average fashion enthusiast. He didn't have a passion for style while growing up, nor did he delve into designer insights or explore vintage shops throughout the UK during his free time. The British driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas shares that he only started caring about fashion after joining Formula One in 2019. "I grew up in a very small village with few people around," he recounts during a Zoom call at an IWC Schaffhausen event, where they celebrated the customized racing suit designed for him and teammate Kimi Antonelli for the United States Grand Prix in Austin. "Living in the countryside, fashion wasn't on our radar." However, competing in contemporary F1 has a way of influencing people's style. Now, six years into his motorsport career, Russell feels at ease before the paddock cameras—sporting sunglasses, relaxed curls, and a stylish preppy outfit that reflects his unique fashion sense. If you ask any F1 fashion follower on TikTok, they would likely attribute the evolution of Russell's fashion to the sport's summer break in 2023. It was during this time that he became a global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, his team’s former clothing partner until Adidas took over this season. Upon returning to F1 in August, Russell sported a more casual hairstyle, a loose plaid shirt, and khakis. Rather than solely donning his team attire at races, he began showcasing polished outfits that felt authentic and surprising for someone who had not ventured into fashion over race weekends before. With each F1 race, his distinctive style unfolded. "I wouldn’t say I’m going all out; it’s still quite conservative. But I’m wearing looks I wouldn’t have initially chosen," he reflects. Adidas's partnership with the team in 2025 added an element of relaxed style to Russell's wardrobe. Recently, he was seen in a disguise at the Mexico City Grand Prix sporting a sold-out bomber jacket from a collaboration with Bad Bunny, while suede Sambas have become his preferred paddock footwear. His ever-evolving collection of watches, all sourced from IWC, is another aspect of his style. Keep scrolling to read our complete conversation, covering everything from Russell's go-to everyday watch to his departure from skinny jeans.

      Fashion and Formula 1 are undeniably connected, both historically and currently, with drivers like Ayrton Senna, Jacky Ickx, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton all embracing style in their unique ways. Before joining F1, did you have any interest in fashion?

      "Honestly, not at all. I grew up in a small village with not many people around. Living in the countryside, we didn't think about fashion. It wasn't until I joined F1 and had these exciting partnerships that I started to understand the influence fashion has on my mindset. I realized that dressing well boosts my confidence, especially in a world where cameras are always on you. If I feel good in what I'm wearing, it helps me walk taller in front of those cameras."

      Do you think transitioning from Williams to Mercedes affected this, due to your brand partners or moving to a top team that boosted your confidence?

      "Absolutely. Moving from Williams to Mercedes coincided with my personal growth and learning about my own style. I've generally been quite conservative in my fashion choices. My style leans towards a classic British look, but I have enjoyed exploring different options over the last couple of years. I wouldn’t say I’m taking big risks; it remains reasonably conservative, but I’m selecting outfits that I definitely wouldn't have chosen before. When I try something on and everything aligns, especially with the right watch and shoes, I think, ‘Okay, this looks cool. I can pull this off.’"

      How do you approach your outfits specifically for race weekends, considering the cameras?

      "I focus on two main aspects: how the outfit fits, especially my trousers, which I prefer slightly wider but not too baggy, and the color palette. I lean towards neutral tones, typically a combination of dark brown, navy, and green. Finally, I consider the weather and location—like opting for white linens in sunny Monaco versus jeans in Austin."

      Do you style yourself or do you collaborate with a stylist?

      "I do receive some assistance, but I clearly communicate my preferences and what makes me comfortable. If I see an outfit I like, I take a screenshot and share it via WhatsApp with the person assisting me."

      It's fascinating; another driver mentioned that because you're used to giving detailed feedback in your job, it actually helps you articulate your style choices.

      "Absolutely. We're not shy about expressing ourselves. We have to communicate extensively, and if there's any misunderstanding, we're always clear about correcting it."

      How have your team's brand partners, such as IWC and Adidas, influenced your fashion sense?

      "Competing for a team like Mercedes certainly plays a role. Fortunately, my natural style, which