Russell completes special drive with Mercedes Benz W196 at Aintree

Ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell has completed a special drive with the Mercedes-Benz W196 at the Aintree circuit that has hosted the Formula One British Grand Prix five times, in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 and 1962.

On the back of his brilliant victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell endured a disappointing weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

The four-time F1 race winner qualified fifth on the grid. Although he picked off his former team-mate Lewis Hamilton into Turn 1, he lost the place back quite quickly. The British driver was then unable to challenge the McLarens and the Ferraris as his Mercedes struggled for race day on the hot day at the Red Bull Ring.

In a thrilling nod to history, Mercedes hosted a special day for George Russell, who took behind the wheel of the German marque's legendary W196 at the Aintree cirucit the legendary circuit that has hosted the British Grand Prix on five occasions.

The iconic location holds a special place in Mercedes’ storied legacy, as it was here in 1955 that the team secured its first-ever victory at the British Grand Prix with the legendary Mercedes-Benz W196. It was Sir Stirling Moss who secured the German marque's first F1 triumph.

Uploading a series of pictures of the vintage car in front of the stands and sitting in it, Russell commented: "Such an immense privilege to drive the Mercedes-Benz W196 at Aintree! This car represents so much to the Mercedes heritage. Sir Stirling Moss and Mercedes won their first ever British GP at this very track in 1955 and as they say, the rest is history.

"The handling, the raw speed, the sounds and the feel of taking the W196 around the corners of Aintree as Stirling did himself felt so special. A massive thank you to the team and everyone involved in making this happen.

"It really is a moment I won’t ever forget. I can’t think of anything more special to do ahead of the British GP," concluded Russell.