George Russell reveals Michael Schumacher respect as he explains crash helmet design change

George Russell has revealed a new crash helmet design for the 2022 Formula 1 season, with him opting to create a predominantly black colour scheme and reduce the amount of red on it, with him saying that’s out of respect for Michael Schumacher.

The young Briton will race for Mercedes this season in what is a huge opportunity for him, after spending his first few years in F1 with the Williams team.

Indeed, he’ll be hoping Mercedes’ spell at the front of the field can continue a little while yet, as he looks to help them continue their run of Constructors’ crowns.

He will do so, though, with a black crash helmet after deciding to change the main colour scheme from the red we have seen him use when testing for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi last December and at other points during his career.

And that’s because, partly, he wanted to show respect for Michael Schumacher who made the all-red helmet famous during his time with Ferrari and then Mercedes in his second spell in F1.

“Quite different in colours compared to what I’ve had previously,” said Russell.

“I’ve gone for quite a bold black this season. The reason for that is I wanted to bring forward a really bold colour.