F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Russell collects prestigious Bandini Trophy in style with Mercedes

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

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Marko: ‘No chance at all’ for Red Bull in Las Vegas

Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…

3 hours ago

GM revives bid to join F1 with accelerated talks for 2026 entry

Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

6 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

7 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

8 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

9 hours ago