There has been a lot of chaos at the Canadian GP. Groundhogs stole the spotlight and drivers caught quick naps during the first practice session and now Mercedes take 1-2 in the second round. Already a smashing start to the weekend, George Russell may have had other things to deal with on the side.
Before heading out on the track to complete a “reasonably productive session,” Russell fell prey to his buddy Daniel Ricciardo and his antics. With Ricciardo sitting comfortably on the Red Bull pit wall, the Mercedes driver was bound to face some distractions.
Daniel Ricciardo entertains George Russell from Red Bull Pitwall
The two friends shared a brief moment as Russell sat in his car, ready to go out of the pitlane. Ricciardo, from his chair, leaned out to wave Russell and grab his attention. Having fulfilled his task, the laughing Aussie went on to flip him off and received a similar response from Russell in return.
Looking back at their hilarious exchange, Russell joked about sending Ricciardo up for investigation. Refusing to mention his name, Russell stated, “There was a rogue Australian fan in the pitlane as well at some point.”
Laughing, he painted a picture of what had happened while pretending to be annoyed with his mate. “Stuck his finger up at me while I was waiting to go out. It was around the Red Bull area.”
Piling onto the joke, a sarcastic Russell added, “I need to check the video. see if an investigation should go into this.”
Notorious for such behavior, it’s moments like these when Ricciardo’s presence is appreciated on the grid. Never short of a light-hearted moment, Ricciardo always knows how to contribute to the long highlight reel of comical moments in F1.
Russell describes Canadian GP in one word- bumpy
Despite a promising practice session, Russell is playing it safe with his expectations for this weekend. After the double podium in Spain, Russell is realistic about his chances for a repeat. “Between Barcelona and here, they’re two totally different circuits. Barcelona- super smooth, high-speed circuit. Here, it’s incredibly bumpy.”
Russell also detailed his competition for the weekend, with some interesting characters on the list. “We’re still on the tail end, especially in qualifying pace compared to Ferrari and Aston Martin. there might be even, Valtteri looked quick, maybe an Alpine.“
Regardless, he shoots for the stars. “We always know it comes to us on a Sunday. so that’s when it’s going to matter.”
Hopefully, Danny Ric doesn’t pose a distraction to the driver, albeit a welcome one. As the Canadian GP already bursts with chaos and a thrill of the unknown, adding rain to the mix, a Mercedes 1-2 wouldn’t be the oddest thing this weekend.
