George Russell was honored on Wednesday in Italy with the prestigious Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini, the Mercedes driver joining an elite group of past recipients that includes Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
The award, which takes its name from the charismatic Ferrari driver who succumbed in 1967 to injuries sustained in the Monaco GP, was established in 1992 by Francesco Asirelli and Tiziano Samorè from the municipality of Brisighella, located in the Emilia-Romagna region.
A poignant reminder of Bandini's legacy, the award itself is a stunning ceramic replica of his Ferrari 312, bearing the number 18.
The esteemed judging panel, comprised of 12 journalists and veterans of F1 teams, recognized Russell's dedication and skill, adding his name to the esteemed list of past awardees.
The prominent accolade coincides with another momentous occasion for Russell's team, Mercedes. This year marks the centenary of the German manufacturer’s triumph in the legendary Targa Florio, a thrilling race held on public roads in Sicily.
First contested in 1906, the Targa Florio captured the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts with its daring route, ultimately succumbing to safety concerns in 1977.
However, its legacy lives on, now a part of the Italian Rally championship.
As Russell celebrated his well-deserved recognition, Mercedes too reflected on a century of motorsport history as it brought the two events together on Wednesday by having the Briton get behind the wheel of one of its original participating cars in the Targa Florio.
The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix winner drove the venerable 1924 two-litre machine, recently restored by Mercedes-Benz Classic, from nearby Faenza to Brisighella where he collected his trophy in the village square.
"It has been amazing to get behind-the-wheel of a 100-year-old Mercedes," Russell said.
"It's a car that you expect to be sitting in a museum for people to admire, rather than being driven. Being entrusted with its first public outing since its restoration was a real honour, therefore.
"The way it drove was exceptional! The noise was fantastic and the handling through the corners, considering the narrow tyres, was very impressive. It was a real joy to get the chance to drive it, so I want to say a huge thank you to the Mercedes-Benz Classic team.
"Collecting the Trofeo Bandini Award was also a true privilege. So many great F1 drivers have won this award so it was an honour to add my name to that list. It has been a brilliant day and I'm excited for the rest of the weekend in Imola."
©Mercedes
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