George Russell kicks off post-season holiday with ski trip to the Alps
After his best F1 season yet in 2025, Mercedes' George Russell is enjoying a ski holiday in the Alps. Team boss Toto Wolff believes the 2026 rule changes could favor Russell, who is seen as a future title contender if given the right car.
Mercedes driver George Russell has begun his off-season break with a winter holiday in the Alps, sharing moments from a ski trip with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt. The trip follows a 2025 campaign that marked his most successful F1 season to date, featuring two victories and nine podium finishes.
Why it matters:
Russell's strong 2025 performance and subsequent championship aspirations make his off-season a point of interest, especially as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has singled him out as a driver who could thrive under the new 2026 technical regulations. How Russell recharges now could impact his readiness for a potential title challenge in the coming seasons.
The details:
- The 27-year-old British driver, who finished fourth in the 2025 standings, shared images and videos of the alpine getaway on social media, arriving via helicopter.
- He and Mundt, who went public with their relationship in 2020, celebrated five years together in February 2025.
- Team principal Toto Wolff has predicted that the major 2026 regulation changes could particularly benefit drivers like Russell and Max Verstappen, citing their adaptability and skill.
- Wolff has also expressed strong confidence in Russell's capability to fight for a World Championship, contingent on Mercedes providing him with a competitive car.
What's next:
Russell has openly stated his readiness to challenge for the title, aligning with Wolff's confidence. His focus now shifts to rest and preparation before the winter testing period, with the team's development progress toward the 2026 car being the critical factor that will determine if he can convert his and the team's potential into a genuine championship bid.