Russell revives history, drives Mercedes’ legendary W196 at Aintree

In a thrilling nod to history, Mercedes and George Russell recently marked Formula 1’s 75th anniversary with a spectacular return to Aintree, the legendary circuit that once hosted the British Grand Prix.

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.

Driven to glory by the incomparable Sir Stirling Moss, that triumph laid the foundation for Mercedes’ enduring success in motorsport. Fast forward to 2025, and the spirit of that historic win was reignited as George Russell, the current Mercedes star, was given the rare and exhilarating opportunity to take the wheel of the iconic Silver Arrows machine.

The sleek, silver car, adorned with the number 8, sliced through the air, its raw power and timeless design a testament to engineering brilliance. The background blurred with the motion, a grandstand echoing with the ghosts of past races, as Russell channeled the essence of Moss himself.

"WOW! Such an immense privilege to drive the Mercedes-Benz W196 at Aintree!!!" Russell wrote on social media. "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."

This once-in-a-lifetime experience was a perfect prelude to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, set to unfold next weekend. Russell’s journey with the W196 wasn’t just a personal milestone but a celebration of Mercedes’ rich past, bridging generations of racing excellence.

"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," he added, his gratitude underscoring the emotional weight of the occasion.

The W196, a symbol of Mercedes’ pioneering spirit, will take center stage once again at Silverstone, where it will be proudly displayed as a tribute to the German manufacturer’s remarkable heritage.