Just days before the highly anticipated Singapore Grand Prix that is set to take place this weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Tatler Singapore had the opportunity to sit down with George Russell, the talented British driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Russell made his Formula 1 debut in 2019, and achieved his first win at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021 at the age of 23.
At last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, the driver came tremendously close to a podium finish, but unfortunately crashed out on the last lap. Russell discusses that experience with Tatler Singapore and shares how he will be approaching the upcoming race in Singapore.
Also in this exclusive interview, he opens up about his passion for watches and his partnership with IWC Schaffhausen, the ups and downs of his 2024 season so far, memorable racing experiences, and what makes the Singapore Grand Prix so challenging yet unique.
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IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team
Can you tell me about the watch you're wearing today and what you love most about it?Today, I'm wearing the IWC Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team watch. It just looks fast! It has a chronograph feature and matches our team colours perfectly. When I wear it with my race suit—either on the podium or in a press conference—it all comes together nicely with the green Petronas details on the day, the date, and around the watch. I often switch to a green strap as well, which adds a nice touch.
What have been some of your favourite memories or experiences in your partnership with IWC Schaffhausen so far?One of my favourite memories is receiving a new watch; that’s always a pleasure. However, my best memory was visiting the IWC headquarters in Schaffhausen, Germany, for the first time. Before that, I didn’t fully appreciate what goes into making a watch. The craftsmanship and precision felt like walking into a Formula 1 factory. After that experience, I learned to take better care of my watches and wear them with pride.
George Russell took 3rd position at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Photo: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images)
If you could design a special edition IWC watch inspired by your racing career, what unique elements would you incorporate?If I were to design one, I’d probably go for a fluorescent blue colour—like my helmet—rather than Petronas green. Whether it’s a black watch with blue details or an all-blue version with a blue strap and face, I think it would stand out. Maybe we could create a limited one-of-one edition in the future.
The Singapore GP is known for its challenging conditions. How do you prepare for this race?Staying hydrated is crucial. In previous years, I’ve lost about four kilograms during a one-and-a-half-hour race just from sweating. I always try to jump in an ice bath before the race to cool my body down and do it again right after. This race stands out on the calendar; drivers have to go above and beyond.
Last year’s Singapore GP was tough for you. Is that on your mind at all going into this weekend?Well you’ve just reminded me now! But in racing, things happen; you live and learn from those moments. That was a year ago now, and I’m just excited to get back out there racing. It doesn’t change my approach at all; we’re all human, and sometimes mistakes happen along the way.
Apart from Singapore, do you have any favourite races on the calendar?My top three would be Japan—it’s one of my favourites—Silverstone (British Grand Prix) is my home race and number one for me, and then Bahrain is also up there. It’s the first race of the season and has a lot of excitement. It’s also such a beautiful country.
Do you have any pre-race rituals?Just making sure that I go to the toilet since you’re stuck in the car for quite a while! No specific rituals beyond that.
How would you sum up your season so far, and what are your goals for the rest of it?It’s been up and down. We’ve had races where we’ve been quick but faced bad luck. We won in Belgium but were disqualified, I was on pole at Silverstone but had an engine failure. The races where nothing significant happened were ones we didn’t perform well in. There have been many highlights this year, but I’m focused on working with my team to secure more podiums and hopefully, some race wins.
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