While Mercedes, for the first time in many years, struggled to challenge for the championship, George Russell had an excellent first year at the Brackley-based outfit. To beat a man like Lewis Hamilton driving the same car is no mean feat, and that is exactly what Russell did. While it was a good season for him given the team’s struggles, it certainly wasn’t good enough to get him the runner-up spot in the championship. And that was what happened exactly. Charles Leclerc secured that position while George managed a well fought 4th. However, in a major gaffe, F1 crowned the Briton as the runner-up and fans came up with all sorts of theories.

Whenever a young driver joins a new team, they are expected to take their time to settle down and learn a few skills and tricks from the senior driver. Russell did not need any of that. In fact, he hit the ground running right from the word go. While Hamilton had a great run in the final few races, George delivered a significant chunk of points while the former champion was struggling earlier in the season.

F1 accidentally oversells George Russell’s meteoric rise

Russell made his debut in 2019 with Williams. Lately, the team has been constantly at the bottom of the table (except for 2021). In his rookie season, Russell scored no points but the Oxfordshire based-outfit showed their trust in him. In 2020, he could only manage 3 points, and in 2021, he scored 16. However, 2022 was his time to shine and Russell proved his talent in a much better Mercedes car, scoring his career-best 275 points.

Commemorating his sudden rise, F1’s official Twitter handle posted a graphic showing the number of points the Briton scored since his rookie season. However, a typographical error saw his 2022 points turn to 375 instead of 275. They were quick to delete the post once the realization kicked in. However, it was too late as the fans had already picked on it.

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP

April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT

“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out

April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Have a look at some reactions to the deleted post.

YouTube Star Harry Pinero Creates the Perfect Beast Out Of Mercedes Boys Lewis Hamilton & George Russell

The perfect Harry Potter meme to sum the situation up.

One fan was quick to rub salt into the wounds as they pointed out how Russell would have still been a sizeable chunk of points behind Max Verstappen had he actually scored 375 points. And to be precise, Max would have been 79 points ahead, not “almost 100”.

One user thought this was some kind of Illuminati moment. But what if Russell does go on to score 375 points in 2023?

One fan just thought the admin was getting too excited, that’s all.

Watch This Story: WATCH: George Russell’s Lonely Moment on Baku Podium Amid Glorious Red Bull Celebration

After taking a drubbing of a lifetime, Mercedes will be itching to get back on top and give Red Bull a run for their money. If they are to do it in 2023, Russell will have to play a big role.