George Russell changes helmet colour out of respect for Michael Schumacher ahead of Mercedes W13 unveiling

New Mercedes driver George Russell has opted to change his helmet colour out of respect for Michael Schumacher. Russell’s helmet has been predominantly red since he made his Formula One debut in 2019, including when he was testing for Mercedes in December. Ad/> Seven-time champion Schumacher, who raced for Mercedes from 2010-12, also had a red helmet for most of his career.

Formula 1Mercedes and Red Bull in 'harmony' at meeting, says FIA president19 HOURS AGO Russell, 24, will make his Mercedes debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20 after joining from Williams, and plans to wear an almost all-black outfit. “Quite different in colours compared to what I’ve had previously,” said Russell in a video on social media. “I’ve gone for quite a bold black this season.

The reason for that is I wanted to bring forward a really bold colour. “I’ve mainly had red on my helmets previously but a red helmet in a Mercedes I thought is very Michael Schumacher, and I wanted to respect that and go in a different direction. /> “I’ve brought forward the black, I’ve got the red on the side with the [sponsor] Crowdstrike, and bringing forward this blue detailing which I really love.

“I think it looks really cool and really aggressive.” Russell is replacing Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes and joining Lewis Hamilton for an all-British line-up. The pair will unveil the new Mercedes W13 on February 18 and take it for a spin at Silverstone. Russell says there are still “huge improvements” to be made with the car.