George Russell returns to karting roots with Toto and Susie Wolff during F1 break

Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has taken a trip down memory lane, returning to his early karting roots to support the next generation of motorsport talent, including Jack Wolff.

Russell joined his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff to watch their son at South Garda Karting. 

"Same track, 23 years later! Very cool to be back at the kart track with Toto and Susie watching Jack and the next gen of racers," Russell posted on Instagram with a series of current and throwback photos.

Susie also shared a look at the day, posting: "Once a karter, always a karter."

In addition to taking time to reset during the five-week break from F1, Russell has been using his time to support the younger generation. His appearance at South Garda Karting came after he visited Silverstone to support Mercedes development driver Doriane Pin in her maiden F1 test.

The 22-year-old became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car, and the latest female driver to take part in an F1 test after Jessica Hawkins got behind the wheel of an Aston Martin F1 car in 2023.

Doriane Pin, Mercedes

Photo by: Mercedes AMG

Russell heads into the upcoming Miami Grand Prix second in the drivers' standings, nine points behind his team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Despite the Italian taking the lead of the championship, Russell explained during an IWC Schaffhausen event that he was feeling confident for the race at the Hard Rock Stadium.

"Yeah, feeling great ahead of Miami," he said. "Of course, it's been, for us as a team, an amazing start to the year. For me personally, it started off really, really well. Had a challenging race in Japan, but it's a hell of a long season, and the most important thing is we got a really good package beneath us.

"I'm feeling good, feeling confident. This small mini break has been a good reset, and I'm ready to go for it again."