WATCH: George Russell Indulges in Cheeky Helmet Swap With His Alfa Romeo F1 Compatriot

After two years of absence from Formula 1, the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, made his comeback with Alpine this season. However, on his return, the Spaniard started an interesting activity by swapping helmets with other drivers.

Although helmet swapping is not a new tradition in F1; Alonso has influenced other drivers to do the same. And the new drivers to join this trend are Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi and Williams’ George Russell. The duo swapped their helmets ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Antonio Giovinazzi wrote: “All the best for your future Giorgino and, sorry, It’s coming Rome.”

Both the drivers wrote best wishes messages on the helmets and the Italian Antonio’s wishes were certainly the most interesting ones. Giovinazzi wished Russell well for his future after the latter is heavily linked with a move to Mercedes next season. Furthermore, Giovinazzi teased the young Brit after the Italian football team defeated the Three Lions in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley.

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If they take him, they take him. If not, he will stay: Capito on Mercedes decision for George Russell

George Russell and his potential move to Mercedes next season have been a matter of speculation for months now. The Mercedes junior academy product is heavily rumored to replace Valtteri Bottas at Silver Arrows. Meanwhile, the Williams team principal Jost Capito believes George Russell will stay at the Wantage-based team if Mercedes renews Valtteri Bottas’s contract for next season.

“For us, it’s not even worthwhile thinking about it because that is a Mercedes decision. If they take him, they take him. If not, he will stay,” said Jost Capito.

“At the moment, he would like to stay if he doesn’t get the Mercedes call because he likes the team. He sees how it’s going forward. If he doesn’t go to Mercedes, we’ll be more than happy to keep him, of course.”

“But there’s nothing that we can do now. We’re just focusing on the season, race-by-race, and go from there,” added Capito.

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Can we witness George Russell driving for Mercedes next season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.