George Russell caused a stir during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend—not just with his strong pace on track but also with an unusual team radio message that left fans and even his team scratching their heads.
Russell Impresses Early in Suzuka
The British driver showed impressive speed in the lead-up to Sunday’s race, finishing two of the three practice sessions in the top three and securing a P5 start ahead of his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes, unexpectedly competitive this season, entered the weekend second in the Constructors’ standings.
Confusion Over ‘Donkey’ Comment
During the first practice session, while assessing the performance of his W16, Russell radioed in with an odd message: “Yeah, I feel pretty donkey, but I don’t know why… I’m sliding the rear quite a lot.”
The term “donkey” left fans bewildered, with many speculating about its meaning. The clip quickly went viral, prompting Mercedes to share it on social media and ask their driver to clarify.
Russell Breaks It Down
In a follow-up video posted to X, Russell cleared the air. “I actually said ‘it feels donkey,’” he explained, referencing the term’s roots in his karting days. “Donkey means slow—like donkeys are not fast animals. It’s something I used to say when the engine wasn’t performing well.”
He elaborated, “It’s like, ‘oh, I’ve got a donkey in the back.’ It’s just a bit of terminology I’ve used before. We weren’t very quick at the time, so yeah, it feels pretty donkey.”
Mercedes Building Momentum
Despite the odd radio phrasing, Russell’s form in Suzuka adds to Mercedes’ encouraging start to the season. Both drivers have consistently found pace, and the team looks to be capitalizing on a much-improved car compared to last year.
Russell’s ability to maintain good humor and clarity in explaining his message also highlights a relaxed and confident mindset as he continues to push for top results in 2025.