AUSTIN—Kimi Antonelli could become the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history this weekend, but he’ll need a few things to go his way. One of those things is a terrible finish by his newly cowboy-kitted teammate, George Russell. But this ain’t Russell’s first rodeo, despite appearing like it’s the first time he’s ever worn a bolo tie.
“What in tarnation? What kinda asinine question is that?” said Russell, now speaking with a uniquely half-British, half-forced-Texan accent. “I will finish where I finish. I’m still the number one driver this side of the Mississippi. They can take my championship, but they’ll never take my guns! Wait, no, hold on. I ain’t fixin’ to let some whippersnapper take my championship.”
We asked Team Principal Toto Wolff to weigh in on the strategy for this weekend, considering Russell’s reluctance to help Antonelli win.
“Who’s George? Oh yeah... the other driver,” said Wolff. “Well, Kimi is a great driver, you know, and he deserves the championship. The other driver will follow team orders, but we let him say whatever he wants. It keeps him happy.”
As we head into the weekend, there’s excitement in the air over the possibility of crowning a new champion. Well, except for the air around Russell. That’s mostly hot.
Kimi, meanwhile, seems like his usual relaxed self. We tried catching up with him before the race to see whether he felt supported by his cowboy counterpart, but he was busy washing his car.
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially George Russell but only after he puts on his…
Lucchese boots.