Amongst the many reasons for F1’s miraculous rise to the pinnacle is Netflix’s documentary series Drive To Survive. The documentary has changed the dynamics of the sport, especially in the United States. Mercedes driver George Russell discusses the documentary and the massive impact it has had, not just on fans but also on celebrities.
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Mercedes driver George Russell opens up about his experience with Netflix’s F1 documentary Drive To Survive. The former Williams driver also discusses how he was shocked to learn about the former First Lady of the US is such a big fan of the sport.
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When asked about which celeb was the most surprising fan of the sport on the Pod to Survive podcast, George said, “I’d probably say Michelle Obama. I had a really nice chat with her and she’s such a fan and been following the sport for a long time now. It just caught me by surprise”.
George further said, “It seems everybody is into it, just you know, Michael Jordan as well. He loves it and he’s watching. Tom Brady follows it a lot. You know we were talking about it after the race.”
“Everybody is really feeling the sport and loving that dynamics of Netflix and behind the scenes.”
George Russell has been in fine form this season. He has consistently finished this season amongst points and also bagged Mercedes’ only pole position this season.
George Russell targets maiden Mercedes win at the US GP in Austin
According to George Russell, Mercedes can potentially win their first race this season in Austin. George said he didn’t have a particular track in mind where Mercedes could beat Max Verstappen and their rivals. But the former Williams man feels the US GP could be an enormous opportunity for the Silver Arrows.
Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 30, 2022 Mercedes’ George Russell celebrates after qualifying in pole position REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
Speaking to Planet F1, George said, “[I’m] not too sure, there’s no stand-outs that really spring to mind.”
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He further added, “Singapore could be interesting, but historically it’s a circuit where Mercedes have struggled a little bit and we know at street circuits this year we haven’t fared so well. I’d probably say maybe Austin. I think Austin could be a circuit that suits us better, but I truly don’t know.”
Although George mentions that they have struggled in Singapore historically, Lewis Hamilton has an impeccable record there. He’s won the Singapore GP 4 times, making him the second most successful driver on the circuit.
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There’s no doubt Liberty Media’s move to raise awareness of the sport to the US audience has been a successful one. George Russell explains how Michelle Obama left him stunned. Furthermore, NBA and NFL GOATS Michael Jordan and Tom Brady respectively are also big fans of the sport and DTS.
With 6 races remaining in the season, time is passing by quickly for Mercedes and George. Can he help Mercedes bag their first win of the season in Singapore against all odds?
