The British Grand Prix is closing in and it’s shaping up to be an exciting race. But what better way to start the weekend than with Lando Norris taking a little dig at Mercedes’ in form George Russell. The two drivers will race on home turf this week and will look to come out on top of the other.

Norris and Russell know each other well. The two have raced against each other ever since their junior karting days and in the F2 as well. Moreover, they joined the pinnacle of motor sport in the same year, with Norris at McLaren while Russell moved to Williams.

They also share a good relationship off the track and have been spotted joking around the paddock. However, the McLaren driver believes Russell has not shown his ‘fun’ side since his move to Mercedes this season.

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He said, “My manager, my trainer, my parents, have always tried to keep me as me, rather than try to shape me. I see other drivers get shaped more because of who they are with, the teams they are with, and I don’t think that is a good thing. It takes away their personality.”

“Growing up with George for instance, was a lot of fun. He was a great person, but it is different at Mercedes – a different vibe and a different atmosphere. I just don’t see as fun a side of him.”

Lando Norris believes Mercedes is the reason behind George Russell’s change

George Russell has been lauded for his consistency this season. Beating Lewis Hamilton in the same car is not a simple task, but the young Briton has got the better of the seven-time world champion so far.

However, Norris feels that competing with Hamilton is an added pressure and a reason behind Russell’s change in nature this year. He added, “George is a great person, and I feel like the personality he had a few years ago, he would be even more popular,” he added.

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The 24-year-old has not finished below the top 5 this season. His transition from Williams to Mercedes has been smooth and he seems to have settled quickly with the team as well. Further, he will look to carry this consistent form over the course of the season. But do you think the pressure at Mercedes has changed Russell’s personality?