GP drivers are not yet allowed to drive their new Formula 1 cars, so many drivers complete missions in other cars. This also applies to George Russell, who has already had his first accident this year.
Formula 1’s winter break is short after a record-breaking 2024 season, but the GP stars can wait to get back into their cars and accelerate. Because the first real outing in the new GP cars is scheduled only for the pre-season tests in Bahrain (February 26 to 28), they have to be content with other missions.
While some drivers do regular race laps, others use that time to push themselves to the limit in street cars. George Russell also dared to drive a Mercedes road car. And to make the trip even more fun, he went to a frozen lake in Sweden.
Russell shared his photos on social media and wrote: “I couldn’t wait until next month to start again. This place never ceases to amaze me. It’s always amazing to rush through the frozen lakes of Sweden. Finally, there are borders to cross.”
One of the photos that Russell posted on the “X” forum proved that these are not just empty words. Because then you can see that he did not remain without accidents during the fun trip. Fortunately the Englishman remained unharmed.
It is not known when Russell will be able to test the Mercedes W16 for the first time. It is entirely possible that Mercedes will use one of the film days allowed to complete the shakedown with the 2025 racer before testing takes place at the end of February.
Formula 1 2025 winter testing
02/26 to February 28 in Bahrain
Formula 1 World Championship 2025
16.03. Australian Physician, Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
23.03. China-GP, Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai *
06.04. Japan-GP, Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka
13.04. Bahrain-GP, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
20.04. Saudi-Arabian-GP, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Dschidda
04.05. Miami-GP, Miami International Autodrome, Miami *
18.05. Emilia Romagna-GP, Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola
25.05. Monaco-GP, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
01.06. Spanien-GP, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló 15.06. Canada-GP, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
June 29 Austrian GP, Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
06.07. British GP, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
27.07. Belgien-GP, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Business *
03.08. Hungarian GP, Hungary, Budapest
31.08. Dutch GP, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort
07.09. Italian-GP, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza
21.09. Azerbaijan-GP, Baku City Circuit, Baku
05.10. Singapore-GP, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
19.10. Austin-GP, Circuit of the Americas, Austin *
26.10. Mexico-GP, Autodromo Hermann Rodríguez, Mexico-Stadt 09.11. Brasilien-GP, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos * 22.11. Las Vegas-GP, Las Vegas Street Circuit, Las Vegas
30.11. Qatar-GP, Losail International Circuit, Doha *
07.12. Abu Dhabi-GP, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
