Mercedes

Russell reveals Vettel's 'proudest' F1 legacy

Sam Hall Wednesday 17 August 2022 09:00

Russell reveals Vettel's 'proudest' F1 legacy

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

GPFans Recap

Verstappen delivers team-mate admission as star dealt early RETIREMENT - GPFans F1 Recap

Yesterday 23:57

F1 Social

F1 fans poke fun at star-studded affair in Las Vegas GP blunder

Yesterday 22:58

Latest F1 News

Verstappen delivers heartwarming Ricciardo tribute in team-mate admission

Yesterday 21:59

Latest F1 News

Verstappen TAUNTS F1 rival with powerful championship claim

Yesterday 21:11

F1 Today

F1 News Today: Red Bull boss delivers DAMNING statement as FIA announce title twist penalty

Yesterday 20:26

Las Vegas Grand Prix

Hamilton delivers team-mate JIBE as F1 champion lets loose - Five things you may have missed from the Las Vegas GP

Yesterday 19:58

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2024

GP AUSTRIA 28 - 30 Jun

George Russell

GP GREAT BRITAIN 5 - 7 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP HUNGARY 19 - 21 Jul

Oscar Piastri

GP BELGIUM 26 - 28 Jul

Lewis Hamilton

GP NETHERLANDS 23 - 25 Aug

Lando Norris

GP ITALY 30 Aug - 1 Sep

Charles Leclerc

GP AZERBAIJAN 13 - 15 Sep

Oscar Piastri

GP SINGAPORE 20 - 22 Sep

Lando Norris

GP USA 18 - 20 Oct

Charles Leclerc

GP MEXICO 25 - 27 Oct

GP QATAR 29 Nov - 1 Dec

GP ABU DHABI 6 - 8 Dec

Complete kalender 2024

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