CLASSIC HORSE POWER

Ahead of British Grand Prix, F1 ace George drives legendary racer at Aintree, 70 years on from historic Mercedes victory

- By COURTNEY EALES ECHO Correspondent

FORMULA 1 driver George Russell had the drive of his life at Aintree this week as he took one of the most famous racing cars of all time on to the historic racetrack.

The British driver, 27, who competes for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team, said it was a "special privilege" to drive the 1950s-era Mercedes W196 at the famous course - 70 years after the model won the British Grand Prix there.

It came ahead of the 2025 British Grand Prix weekend, which begins today at Silverstone. Aintree hosted the event five times, in 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 and 1962.

Russell said after his trip to Merseyside: "Such an immense privilege to drive the Mercedes-Benz W196 at Aintree. This car represents so much to the Mercedes heritage.