George Russell takes part in a 'unique experience' flying an RAF Typhoon

F1 driver George Russell described it as a “unique experience” to have the opportunity to fly a Typhoon fighter (Photo: RAF)

Mercedes Formula 1 pilot George Russell has hailed his “lifetime experience” as he had the opportunity to fly a Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet.

Ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver visited RAF Coningsby base in Lincolnshire to meet the ‘dedicated’ RAF team, which safely protects the airspace around and over the UK.

“Given the teamwork, camaraderie and skill found in the RAF, I truly understand why it is an honor to serve in the RAF,” Russell said on Twitter.

Mavericks. ?

Experience of a lifetime having a chance to fly a Typhoon Fighter Jet.

Seeing the teamwork, camaraderie and range of skills within the entire RAF, I truly understand why it is such an honor to serve in the RAF.@employee @employee pic.twitter.com/uhBX9sOSF5

—George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) July 5, 2023

And the British Formula 1 driver, accustomed to the thrill of high speed, added: “Thank you so much for the opportunity, for teaching me so much and of course for riding!!”

The RAF took to Twitter to share their joy and ‘honour’ at Russell’s experience with the Typhoon firsthand.

A real honor to show it @Georgerussell63 How important teamwork and brilliant engineering are to both the RAF and @employee a team. #NoOrdinaryJob @employee @employee @employee pic.twitter.com/DxFukWnT4F

– Royal Air Force (RoyalAirForce) July 5, 2023

They said: “A real honor to show George Russell how important teamwork and great engineering are to both the RAF and Mercedes-AMG F1 Team #NoOrdinaryJob.”

Sky F1 commentator David ‘Crofty’ Croft joined Russell at RAF Coningsby and asked the F1 driver if he saw any similarities between driving a Typhoon and driving an F1 car.

Is George Russell flying in the sky something you don’t want to miss this weekend?

Be sure to watch on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports F1 at the British Grand Prix weekend ?? pic.twitter.com/9xdujDNRrd

– Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) July 6, 2023

“You have tremendous mental capacity,” said Crofty, “you need to know what’s going on with your tyres, with your opponents, with strategy, and whatever the weather’s coming up. Can you see any similarities there as well?”

George said, in response, “A lot. For those people out there, you have to have that mental capacity, and you have to be able to control the machine, and do the best you can.”

How similar is the british air force and @employee?

High performance machines? Unusual geometry? Elite teamwork?@Georgerussell63 take to heaven with @employee Exclusively @employee End of this week! ? pic.twitter.com/q11xwfqa0L

– Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 5, 2023

“But then we look at where the others are, and it’s like we’re looking in our mirrors or understanding what the tires are doing.”

The British F1 driver added: “Having a global vision of racing, many crossovers.”