Mercedes star George Russell has revealed that some Formula 1 drivers drink during a race weekend.
With F1 being one of the most physically demanding sports out there, drivers are often kept on a very strict dietary routine.
However, speaking in the new series of the popular Netflix show ‘Drive To Survive’, Russell revealed to McLaren’s Lando Norris that he knows some drivers drink during a race weekend.
The conversation started with Norris saying: “Let’s go out tonight,” to which Russell replied: “Out out?”
Norris then said: “Joking, I would never do such a thing.”
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Russell then revealed: “It was in my Williams contract. You weren’t allowed to drink during the weekend.
“I’m not going to say names but there’s definitely some people who drink.”
When Norris replied: “You think?”, Russell went: “I know. I’ve seen it.”
Left slightly shocked by the revelation, Norris asked: “During a normal race weekend?”
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Russell replied: “Yeah! They’re paying me off not to tell.”
Over the last few weeks, Russell’s Mercedes teammate, Lewis Hamilton has been making the headlines after his move to Ferrari in 2025 was confirmed.
Speaking about Mercedes’ hunt for Hamilton’s replacement, Russell said: “I’ve been with Toto a lot this winter. Seeing the drivers’ names pop up on the telephones was quite funny. Even on my phone, as well, the phone calls and text messages. So yeah it’s been quite interesting.
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“But, as a team, we’re in a really good opportunity and position to go into this next chapter. There’s been so much success with Lewis and Mercedes.”
He added: “I think it’s important to have good harmony between the drivers. Because that trickles down into all of the engineers and the whole team. But, ultimately, the decision is with Toto and the board.”
F1 returns next weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will take place on 2 March.
Topics: Formula 1, George Russell, Lando Norris
Marcus Chan