George Russell claims Kimi Räikkönen’s low-profile persona wouldn’t resonate with modern F1 fans shaped by social media and brand visibility.
In the age of social media, George Russell has suggested that fans would not be impressed if current drivers behaved off-track like 2007 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen.
Russell admits he is very careful about his public image.
“Honestly, I probably don’t show anyone who I really am, because it’s also my safe space,” he told Motorsport Total.
“Everything you see on social media, no matter who it is, ultimately isn’t reality. Because everyone is just trying to present the best version of themselves. If you take a hundred photos, you don’t post the one where your eyes are closed or you look silly.”
He admits that maintaining privacy is not easy for a Formula 1 driver nowadays, “because I also want to be authentic.”
“In the end, it’s the fans who watch Formula 1 and follow me who make the sport what it is. That’s why sponsors pay to be part of the team, and that’s how I earn my living.”
“You can’t bite the hand that feeds you. You have to understand that times are changing.”
That’s why Russell believes today’s fans wouldn’t appreciate the public attitude of a driver like Räikkönen.
“Kimi Räikkönen had an incredible personality. But if he came into Formula 1 today at 18, people would probably be unhappy if he didn’t use social media or if he was still that cold. That’s the challenge we face today.”
