Mercedes

Russell reveals Vettel's 'proudest' F1 legacy

Sam Hall Wednesday 17 August 2022 08:00

George Russell has revealed the legacy that he believes Sebastian Vettel will walk away from F1 most proud of.

Four-time champion Vettel announced his retirement from F1 ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix and is set to exit the sport in November on 299 starts.

In recent years, the German has used his platform to ally with Lewis Hamilton on issues of equality.

But since leaving Ferrari to join Aston Martin in 2021, Vettel has stepped up his environmental campaigning as well, focusing on local issues at most races while also challenging homophobic views in Hungary and the Middle East.

Asked what one thing he would take from Vettel's legacy, Russell joked: "[I'm] pretty impressed with the beard he's got going at the moment. I struggle a bit to grow a beard."

Offering a more serious reflection, the Mercedes driver added: "We're all competitive animals, we all want to win. We all want to win as many championships as possible, but nobody's got a bad word to say about Seb in the paddock and I think that's probably a legacy you'd probably be quite [proud of].

"He's probably more proud of that than he is of his on-track successes."

Faced with the same question, reigning world champion Max Verstappen offered a similarly amusing response to Russell's initial gambit.

The Dutchman said: "[I'd have] his hair. It grew back magically. I like that. I wish I had that."

Latest News

F1 Legends

F1 world champion admits extraordinary 2.30am habit

Yesterday 22:56

Ferrari

Ferrari legend hints Lewis Hamilton's boss lacks leadership

Yesterday 21:56

Alpine

Alpine boss Briatore AXES driver for 2026

Yesterday 21:13

Latest F1 News

Max Verstappen gives honest verdict on Lewis Hamilton Ferrari woes

Yesterday 20:28

Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton gives stern reaction after Abu Dhabi 2021 question

Yesterday 19:43

F1 News & Gossip

Max Verstappen open to Ferrari move but on one condition

Yesterday 18:56

More news

FIA confirm Red Bull star stripped of victory at Italian Grand Prix

6 september

200.000+ views

Max Verstappen absence confirmed for next race

14 september

150.000+ views

FIA announce late demotion for F1 star at Dutch Grand Prix

31 august

100.000+ views

Lewis Hamilton hit with FIA penalty after Italian Grand Prix woe

6 september

100.000+ views

Mercedes cut ties with race-winning driver for 2026

29 august

75.000+ views

FIA announce Max Verstappen inspection as samples taken after Italian GP victory

10 september

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Russell reveals Vettel's 'proudest' F1 legacy

Russell reveals Vettel's 'proudest' F1 legacy