George Russell reluctantly makes Canadian GP promise as outdated video resurfaces

George Russell has reluctantly agreed to honour his long-standing promise that he’ll leap into the lake at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve if he wins the Method 1 Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

In a lighthearted video shared on the Mercedes social media platforms, the Briton discovered himself backed right into a nook when his crew pulled up footage of him making the promise on the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.

“You needed me in final yr. Have a look at it. It is inexperienced and brown,” Russell mentioned to the voice behind the digital camera as he regarded on the murky water. “I must see this proof earlier than you begin these allegations.” 

After claiming that he didn’t bear in mind the guess from 2025, the earlier video was swiftly introduced up as proof. “So you have actually pushed me right into a nook right here? Actually pushing me. All proper, we’ll do this. Sunday. If we’re on the highest step. Provided that we’ve a high step!”

As they shook fingers to seal the deal, Russell shortly added: “And if it isn’t raining!”

 

Russell’s earlier success on the Canadian Grand Prix and Mercedes’ extremely robust begin to the 2026 season, Russell might simply find yourself within the lake come Sunday night if the whole lot goes his manner. The 28-year-old driver gained the 2025 race, along with his team-mate Kimi Antonelli ending in second. 

Russell additionally gained the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix and Chinese language dash race earlier than Antonelli claimed three consecutive wins on the Chinese language, Japanese and Miami Grands Prix. 

Mercedes additionally has a considerable improve bundle for this weekend, which might yield additional efficiency positive aspects over the shortly bettering McLaren vehicles.

Antonelli now leads the drivers’ championship, turning into the youngest driver within the historical past of F1 to take action, with a 20-point lead over Russell, so the strain is on the latter to place an finish to his Italian team-mate’s momentum.

The Canadian Grand Prix weekend, which incorporates the third dash race of the yr, will happen from 22-24 Could.

We wish your opinion!

What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?

– The Motorsport.com Group