British driver George Russell, of the Mercedes team, infiltrated the fans gathered at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on the first day of practice for the Mexican Grand Prix, which took place over the weekend, wearing a wrestler’s mask.
Russell climbed up to one of the highest stands on the side of the stadium to watch his teammate, Danish youngster Frederik Vesti, at the wheel of his single-seater for a few laps in practice one.
George Russell shines for Checo Perez
Jorge Rosales does it again!
F1 driver for Mercedes, George Russell, slipped into the Mexican crowd wearing a luchador mask and sunglasses.
The moment did not go unnoticed by the eyes of some spectators. pic.twitter.com/miNytYWnPc
– MGM News (@MgmPuebla) October 25, 2025
“It’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve seen the car on the track from the stands, so we’re going to do it, but I need some kind of disguise,” Russell said as he exited the pits to execute his plan.
Before mingling among the fans, he donned a green mask with red and white trim, the colors of the Mexican flag, and put on a jacket over his team jersey.
From one of the seats farthest from the track, Russell took some pictures, while pointing at each lap to Vesti as he said, “That’s my car.”
As he came down from the grandstand, meters before returning to the paddock area, Russell removed his mask to the astonishment of several fans who recognized him, waved as he passed and gave him a high-five.
To prevent more followers from swarming, the pilot accelerated his pace and jumped the electronic turnstile without presenting his corresponding accreditation; the watchman made a timid attempt to stop him as he struggled to find out what was going on, until he recognized him.
“I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed it. It’s been years since I’ve seen Formula One cars on track, so it was great. I enjoyed doing it,” he explained as he took off his jacket in the inclement sun.
Russell’s foray among the fans was a refreshing breath of fresh air in the absence of local idol Serio ‘Checo’ Perez.
Checo Perez left Red Bull last year, but will return for the 2026 championship with the Cadillac team with Finland’s Valtteri Bottas as his teammate, who walked around the paddock, ate tacos al pastor, a popular Mexican food, and took pictures with dozens of fans.
Among those present at the first day of practice were also Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, and Dan Towriss, the company’s chief executive officer.
Russell, who is fourth in the drivers’ championship with 252 points, did participate in practice two, where he finished sixth.
Filed under: George Russell shines for Checo Pérez
With information from EFE
