Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Williams’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Williams’ George Russell and McLaren’s Lando Norris during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
The press conferences ahead of the Dutch GP are mainly focused on one person – Kimi Raikkonen. The buzzing news of this race weekend has been Raikkonen’s retirement from the sport. As a result, drivers share their experiences with the Iceman or lack thereof; George Russell brought in an interesting one as Lando sadly listened.
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The FIA paired Brit buddies Lando Norris and George Russell for the conference at Zandvoort on Thursday. Both drivers discussed their interactions with Kimi Raikkonen, and what they revealed did justice to the Finn’s known dual personality.
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Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Williams’ George Russell during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic
Having experienced fun Kimi, George was ‘the chosen one.’ He said, “the first time I ever spoke to Kimi, the conversation ended with him twisting my nipples!”
This disappointed Norris. The McLaren driver answered, “Sadly, I’ve not had quite the interaction that George had…”
Read More: “I’ll Never Forget” – Rosberg Recalls Raikkonen’s Heartening Gesture Amid His F1 Retirement
Having experienced two varying sides of the champion, there’s a lot to be missed about the Finn – the quiet and the expressive.
George Russell to Mercedes in the works?
Kimi Raikkonen’s retirement has set the wheels rotating again for the driver market. Will the move finally happen?
A lot of the speculations revolved around Raikkonen’s retirement; this would allow Bottas to take the Alfa Romeo seat. Over the course of the press conference in Zandvoort, a lot of the drivers have taken the Brit’s side. Mr. Saturday is now The Future. Additionally, Lewis Hamilton, who was once a strong contender for team Bottas, held Russell high in praise.
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Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 28, 2021 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Williams’ George Russell celebrate after finishing third and second in qualifying Pool via REUTERS/John Thys
Hamilton said, “He’s one of the members of the future of the sport. I think he’s already shown incredible driving so far, and I’m sure he’s going to continue to grow, so where better to do it than in a great team like this.”
The idea of replacing one Finn with the other seems likely. Bottas would bring the knowledge and experience to Alfa Romeo; Russell would bring the talent of the next generation to Mercedes. A true successor for Hamilton, Russell has what champions are made of.
Watch this story: Lewis Hamilton’s Biggest F1 Crashes
