Mercedes driver George Russell received an extraordinary treat ahead of last weekend’s British Grand Prix, as he got the chance to fly in a Typhoon.
Russell was joined by Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz, with the pair having been filmed with the RAF and 29 Squadron for a pre-race segment.
The pair met at RAF Coningsby, where they were given an insight into how the astonishing jets are used in the UK, before being treated to a passenger flight.
Mercedes also took an F1 car to the event, to give personnel at Coningsby an insight into the world of the pinnacle of motorsport.
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The idea of the Sky Sports F1 film was created by Sergeant Simon Edwards, who is a huge motorsports fan.
Sgt Edwards was “extremely proud” for his idea to have come to fruition, in what he labelled as a memorable day.
“I am extremely proud that my ambition to get George Russell, AMG Mercedes F1 and Ted Kravitz with Sky Sports F1 to spend the day at 29 Squadron was achieved. It was a memorable day!” said Sgt Edwards, as reported by Lincolnshireworld.com.
Russell clearly loved the experience and how similar he found the RAF to be to F1, with him having pointed out that there were “so many comparisons”.
The Mercedes driver was “incredibly grateful” for the experience and to have been invited to the base, whilst he also expressed his “respect” for the RAF, who continue to protect the UK skies.
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“The flight in a Typhoon today was an incredible experience,” Russell said.
“There are so many comparisons between the RAF and F1, the technology of the machines that we operate, the high-performance that is vital to do the job, but most importantly the teamwork behind the scenes, the teamwork that allows myself and Brighty, my pilot today, to do what we need to do, whether that’s winning a race or defending the skies.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Royal Air Force and 29 Squadron to be invited to Coningsby, and I remain full of respect for the job the people carry out here on a daily basis.”