P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell believes you have to be a millionaire to get onto the grid these days
Mercedes F1 driver George Russell hinted that some of his competitors might not have made it to F1 if they had started racing in 2026. Russell aims to compete for the drivers’ championship this year, currently trailing his teammate Kimi Antonelli by nine points. Youngsters like Antonelli have been making their mark in F1 recently, but financial backing is crucial for their success. Russell disclosed that his father invested around £1 million over 12 years to support his racing career, highlighting the growing financial challenges in motorsport. While not mentioning names, Russell suggested that even top drivers today might struggle to reach F1 due to the high costs involved. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has previously discussed his family’s financial struggles and sacrifices to support his racing ambitions. Hamilton’s efforts through his Mission 44 organization aim to assist underprivileged children in pursuing their own dreams.
