George Russell recreates classic Lewis Hamilton photo after Singapore GP win

George Russell celebrated his Formula 1 victory in Singapore with a tribute to his Mercedes predecessor Lewis Hamilton – and shared a story that goes back seven years. 

The Mercedes driver recreated Hamilton’s famous winner’s photo from the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix after triumphing at Marina Bay in 2025. 

Just like Hamilton back then, Russell sat cross-legged on the asphalt of the Marina Bay Circuit, placed the winner’s trophy beside him, rested his hands in his lap – and smiled for the camera. The only difference: Russell kept his race suit zipped up, while Hamilton posed in his fireproof underwear. 

But why? 

"In 2018 I was with Mercedes in Singapore and watched Lewis take an incredible pole position and then win the race," Russell explained in a post on social media 

"I remember how he took a really cool photo on the track afterwards – and I dreamed back then of one day being in Formula 1 myself." 

At the time, Russell was already on a clear path to the pinnacle of motorsport. As a Mercedes junior he was serving as a Formula 1 reserve driver, while competing in Formula 2 – where he was among the title favourites. At the Singapore weekend, he was seen as a leading contender in the feeder series, which he went on to win a few weeks later. 

His promotion to a Formula 1 race seat was already settled: one month after Singapore, Russell was confirmed as a full-time driver for British outfit Williams. 

A memorable venue for his fifth victory 

"Seven years later, it’s a very special moment for me to win here in Singapore and to celebrate this success together with my team," Russell wrote. 

It marked the fifth grand prix victory of his Formula 1 career, following Brazil 2022, Austria and the USA in 2024, and Canada 2025 – all achieved with the Mercedes works team, for which he has been racing full-time since 2022.