In a racing world where off-the-track friendships often get as much attention as the fierce competition on asphalt, Alex Albon has ignited a spark by openly questioning George Russell‘s behavior since the latter’s move to Mercedes. Coming on the heels of Lando Norris‘ observation that Russell’s personality has changed since his move to Mercedes, Albon’s remarks put the spotlight on whether the glamour of a top-tier team is affecting young talents like Russell. His remarks suggest that the allure and authority of a Silver Arrows seat might be turning Russell a tad too “entitled.”

Both Alex Albon and George Russell have been friends and competitors since their junior racing days, but their career trajectories took a turn in the 2021 season. But post Italian GP quali, there was a bit of banter between the two as George Russell pointed out, “It reminds me of when I was with Williams and you were with Red Bull. We kept seeing each other in quali and I see you all the time now in Q3 and back then I saw you all the time in Q2 and Q1.” Albon was quick to respond with a playful jab, saying, “Ouch, I was like, where is this going?” Albon went on to reveal that his Williams team had the better of Mercedes during qualifying, adding another layer of competitive spirit to their friendship. But that’s not all.

The incident that ignited Albon’s remarks occurred on a Saturday morning pre-quali while both drivers were arriving at the track. Russell overtook Albon in a manner the latter described as “completely illegal,” and what was more, had the audacity to wave at him afterward. But it didn’t stop there. Russell proceeded to drop his car at the entrance and left the task of parking to his trainer, exuding what Albon describes as pure “entitlement.” The Williams driver didn’t mince words, stating, “He drops his car off at the entrance and then makes his trainer park the car for him. I think that just shows you the entitlement, and it’s just all gone to his head a little bit, this Mercedes stuff! I’m true to my man. I park my car and walk in like a normal person.”

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It’s not just about a parking spot or a casual wave; it’s about the perception that the privilege of being in a top-tier team like Mercedes may be altering the dynamics of longstanding friendships in the paddock. While their recent playful banter has put their relationship under the spotlight, it’s worth noting that Albon shares an equally colorful history with George Russell. Their friendship has been a mix of camaraderie and comic misadventures, including a cycling accident.

A friendly bicycle gone wrong for Alex Albon

Albon and Russell are also close friends who frequently trained together, but their friendship almost had catastrophic consequences for Albon. The two have been close since their days in junior racing, sharing meals, trainers, and even bike rides. Albon once lightheartedly shared a cycling incident with Russell that could have had more severe consequences. In 2017, Albon lent his bike to Russell for a seemingly harmless forest cycle, while he used his spare bike with faulty rear brakes and Albon took a dramatic tumble over a horse jump, breaking his collarbone.

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“We went somewhere new…And that was a horse jump thing. When I saw it, I panicked. I hit the brakes…I ended up doing kind of this front flip, this endo over the jump. I landed on my collarbone, broke my collarbone. And that was it,” Albon humorously recounted. Even though the accident disrupted his racing season, Albon managed to laugh it off in retrospect, remarking how it led to a “terrible season.”

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What do you think has the allure and prestige of a top-tier team permanently altered Russell’s character?