Mercedes Unveils Japanese GP Race Suit After Letting George Russell Paint Houses in It
Russell confirms he was meant to finish without getting it on his suit
SUZUKA—Mercedes unveiled its special Japanese Grand Prix race suit this week, but fans were quick to notice that driver George Russell appeared less “race-ready” and more like a man who ignored the wet paint signs.
Team officials insisted the splattered design was intentional, describing it as an “aggressive, hand-applied finish” meant to reflect speed, precision, and what one engineer referred to as “a shot of money with a touch of pearl.”
Russell, however, offered the real explanation.
“Look, I didn’t mean to finish and get it all over myself,” he said. “Everything was going smoothly, I had a good rhythm going, and then at the last second it just… got everywhere. It happens.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff defended the situation, emphasizing that the result still met the team’s standards.
“We’re not concerned,” Wolff said. “From a distance, it looks fantastic. Up close, yes, you can see some paint, that’s paint, right? Anyway, Kimi is great huh?.”
The team also confirmed that no additional splatter is expected before qualifying, despite speculation that Russell might seek completion to improve overall coverage.
“Absolutely not,” Wolff stated. “We’re satisfied with his finish. There’s no need to keep working it.”
Fans online were divided, with some praising the unique aesthetic while others questioned the suit with suspicious, squinting eyes.
“It definitely looks like something that got out of hand toward the end.” said one commenter.
Mercedes confirmed that future suits will all be given to Kimi to prevent similar incidents, though Russell insists it’s “Just a little paint.”