The LLM Podcast

February 16, 2026
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Abhinav Ennazhiyil

George Russell’s Best Meme Moments as He Turns 28

George Russell’s Best Meme Moments as He Turns 28

George Russell smiling in Mercedes team gear

As George Russell celebrates his 28th birthday, Formula 1 fans around the world are taking a lighthearted trip down memory lane to revisit the British driver’s most iconic and hilarious meme moments. From dramatic camera poses to viral social media trends, Russell’s charisma off the track has made him one of the most beloved personalities in modern F1.

The Birth of the T-Pose Legend

It started with a moment of unintentional drama. During the 2023 season opener’s broadcast intro, Russell appeared on camera with his arms outstretched and head bowed in a classic ‘T’ formation—a stance instantly immortalized by fans as the “Russell T-pose.”

What many didn’t know was that the pose wasn’t choreographed. Russell later revealed on The Fast and the Curious podcast that he was simply resting between shots, hands on LED boards, head down. When the cameraman asked him to repeat it, a meme was born.

Fans quickly turned the moment into digital art, placing Russell’s T-pose in everything from movie scenes to historical paintings. Russell embraced it fully, even recreating the pose after winning races in Canada and Singapore—and it made a return in the 2025 F1 title sequence.

Radio Russell: Emotion Unfiltered

Russell’s radio transmissions are the stuff of legend. Whether screaming “Come on!” repeatedly after securing his first pole position in Hungary, or celebrating an unexpected P2 qualifying in a rain-soaked Belgium for Williams, his raw emotion resonates with fans.

One of his most meme-worthy radio moments came during the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix when, drenched in sweat inside the cockpit, he exclaimed, “Is it raining?!”—only to be told it was just his own perspiration. The clip went viral, symbolizing both his passion and occasional overzealousness.

Photobomb King of the Grid

No photo is safe when George Russell is around. Over the years, he’s sneaked into countless shots—on the grid, during drivers’ parades, and even on podiums—with perfect comedic timing. Social media users eagerly await his next surprise cameo, often dubbing him the “unofficial photobomb champion” of F1.

The PowerPoint Prodigy

Russell’s affinity for PowerPoint made headlines early in his career. In 2019, during a Rookie of the Year debate with Lando Norris and Alex Albon, while Norris submitted a slick video edit and Albon recited a poem, Russell countered with a no-nonsense PowerPoint presentation.

Though his teammates looked unimpressed on screen, the move was pure Russell: analytical, confident, and a little nerdy. The presentation even earned him praise from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who reportedly signed him to the Mercedes Junior Programme at 16 after being impressed by a similar pitch years earlier.

Shirtless Shenanigans and Social Media Banter

A scroll through Russell’s Instagram reveals a recurring theme: shirtless photos from holidays, gym sessions, and post-race celebrations. While fans adore the trend, his close friend Alex Albon never misses a chance to mock him in the comments, adding another layer of humor to their friendship.

Twitch Quartet and Lockdown Streaming

When the F1 season was put on hold in early 2020 due to the pandemic, Russell joined Norris, Albon, and Charles Leclerc in forming the “Twitch Quartet,” streaming video games live for fans. Their chaotic, fun-filled sessions offered a rare glimpse into the drivers’ personalities, with Russell proving to be just as competitive online as on the track.

Press Conference Pranks

Russell never shies away from a bit of mischief during press events. At the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, he playfully “stitched up” Lando Norris by posting a misleading comment on Instagram ahead of a joint media session—sparking laughter across paddock and social media alike.

‘George Russell Is the Type of Guy’ – The Meme That Broke the Internet

In 2022, a viral social media trend emerged: “George Russell is the type of guy...” followed by absurd yet oddly believable scenarios. “...who brings a spreadsheet to a beach party,” or “...who apologizes to a wall after bumping into it.” Russell didn’t just acknowledge the memes—he engaged with them, proving he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

As he turns 28, with five Grand Prix wins and 24 podiums under his belt, George Russell continues to blend elite performance with genuine relatability. Whether he’s T-posing into history or meme-ing his way through press duties, one thing is certain: Russell isn’t just racing for victories—he’s winning hearts off the track, too.

Sources: https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russells-best-meme-moments-in-f1-as-mercedes-man-turns-28.3tFEHZnbg4QAPE4oAlaBdc