Chinese fans swoon over 'Big Sis' George Russell

SHANGHAI, March 12 : Chinese Formula One fans will be rooting for Mercedes driver George Russell at this weekend's Shanghai Grand Prix, after his wholesome "Big Sis" vibes, good looks and care towards teenage teammate Kimi Antonelli turned him into a viral sensation on social media.

The "Big Sis" hashtag is a pun stemming from the Chinese translation of Russell's surname, pronounced "La Jie", with the second Chinese character being the symbol for elder sister. 

Fans on the popular social media app RedNote are joking that the 28-year-old driver resembles a beautiful big sister - someone you admire, look up to, and who also takes care of you - alongside screenshots from the latest season of Netflix's docu-series "Drive to Survive", showing Russell taking Antonelli, then in his first year in the sport, under his wing.

"His sisterly vibe really stands out: like a prim and proper British lady (but not a grandma)," wrote one user. "'Sister' is a feeling, an aura, a state," said another. 

"There is only one Queen in F1! George Russell!" another post read, leaning into the sentiment among Chinese fans that his good looks carry a uniquely feminine quality compared with the other current crop of F1 drivers. 

Big question marks hung over Russell and Mercedes after seven-times World Champion Lewis Hamilton shocked the sport by announcing he would leave the team for rivals Ferrari for the 2025 season. Pundits wondered whether Russell was ready to lead the championship-contending team, and how the 18-year-old would fill Hamilton's shoes.

But as the latest season of the Netflix hit shows, the five-times race winner rose to the occasion, providing his rookie Italian teammate a guiding hand during a championship in which Mercedes would finish