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Masked George Russell Watches FP1 From Foro Sol Stands as Mercedes Gives Rookie His Seat

Rookie allocation put Frederik Vesti in Russell’s car for Mexico City’s opening practice, creating a rare chance for the Briton to take in the action from the grandstands in a lucha libre disguise.

Overview

  • Mercedes shared a short video showing Russell preparing the disguise, taking a seat among fans and reacting as his car passed through the stadium section.
  • Russell’s Instagram post of the undercover moment drew rapid engagement, with reports noting more than 210,000 likes within an hour.
  • Vesti completed 32 laps and placed 14th in FP1 as Mercedes fulfilled the mandatory rookie running requirement.
  • Russell returned to the cockpit for FP2 and was reported sixth, with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli third, as coverage noted tight margins on the short lap.
  • No disciplinary issues were reported, and coverage placed the episode in season context with Russell fourth in the standings on 252 points with eight podiums and two wins.