Russell unveils split-Montoya helmet design for 'race 1000'

For this weekend's landmark Chinese Grand prix, Williams' George Russell will race with a special helmet that pays tribute to Juan Pablo Montoya.

Shanghai's special historical status has enticed several drivers to honor Formula 1's 1000th Grand Prix, but Russell has put a more personal spin on his helmet's design.

The lid features a split motif with the Brit's own colors on one half and Montoya's Colombian color-scheme on the other.

• Russell's motivation intact despite Williams hardship

The Montoya reference goes back to Russell's karting days as the 21-year-old explained in Shanghai on Thursday.

"When I first started karting I copied the helmet of my brother when he was karting before," said Russell.

"And it was inspired - his helmet design - from Montoya. So I decided it would be pretty cool. It was Montoya from when he was at Williams as well.

"I only found out about eight years ago that the helmet design I used when I started karting was inspired from Montoya when he was at Williams.

"As Montoya’s a bit of a Williams legend, he’s one of my favourite F1 drivers of all time - just his sort of character, the way he approached the racing, everything - he was a driver who you would enjoy watching.

"So I thought it would be something nice to go half-half this weekend.”

"I’ve met him once, that was last year. Hopefully he likes it."

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