Russell changes helmet livery out of respect for Schumacher

©Mercedes

George Russell says that he has opted for a bold black helmet livery this season and abandoned his usual red design out of respect for former Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher.

The F1 legend signed for the championship winning Brackley squad upon his return to F1 in 2010 and remained with the team for three seasons.

The seven-time world champion's signature bright red lid which he used for the majority of his career in F1 was a stand-out feature when the German was onboard a Silver Arrows, and that hasn't been lost for Russell.

"Quite different in colours compared to what I’ve had previously," said the Briton in a video revealing his new helmet design.

"I’ve gone for quite a bold black this season. The reason for that is I wanted to bring forward a really bold colour.

"I’ve mainly had red on my helmets previously but a red helmet in a Mercedes I thought is very Michael Schumacher, and I wanted to respect that and go in a different direction.

Read also: Russell got 'straight to business' with homelike Mercedes

"I’ve brought forward the black, I’ve got the red on the side with the Crowdstrike, and bringing forward this blue detailing which I really love.

"I think it looks really cool and really aggressive."

Mercedes is set to unveil its 2022 contender on Friday morning, and it is anticipated that the team will revert to its former Silver Arrows livery for its new-spec W13 car.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.