SHANGHAI, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Mercedes driver George Russell arrived in Shanghai riding the momentum of a season-opening victory, expressing his admiration for Chinese fans and teasing a special tribute planned for the weekend.
"I love the people, and the culture here is really amazing," the 28-year-old Briton shared on Wednesday at a brand event ahead of the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. "And every time we go to the Shanghai circuit, there's so much love for Formula One, so much love for Mercedes."
"I've done a special helmet for the last few years, really trying to embrace some of the Chinese culture," said Russell, who finished second in Shanghai last year. "I do have one plan this weekend, so I'm looking forward to showing everybody."
Russell arrives in Shanghai on the back of his dominant performance in Melbourne, where he secured pole position and the race win.
"I'm feeling great to be honest. It was the perfect start to the season," Russell said. "We didn't know how we'd perform, how our competitors would be. But to be on pole position, and when the race came, to compete as well was the perfect start."
Despite the strong start, Russell remains measured about the championship battle, saying, "It's one race from 24. It's a long time to go. With the four teams at the top, they're going to be pushing so hard to catch us up."
This season's revised regulations have introduced significant technical changes, with Drag Reduction System (DRS) consigned to history and replaced by active aerodynamics, while revised power unit rules place a far greater premium on energy recovery and deployment.
"With these new cars, it's very different. And there was a lot of adapting we had to do," Russell explained. "The race start was very difficult. It's going to be very different again here in China."
The Shanghai circuit holds a special place for the Mercedes driver, who has yet to claim victory at the track.
"I really like this circuit. Even when I was a child and I used to play on the PlayStation, it was one of my favorite circuits," he said. "The corners are really, really long in Shanghai. The first corner sort of goes on forever and is very challenging. But it's one that I really enjoy."
The Chinese Grand Prix, which has a contract with F1 through 2030, will see a sprint race and qualifying take place on Saturday, followed by the race on Sunday. ■
