– George Russell entered the summer break of the Dutch Grand Prix with a special message: The Mercedes driver got engaged to his long-time partner Carmen Montero Mundt.
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Before the weekend in Zandvoort, Russell spoke in more detail about the proposal for the first time – and revealed that there was much more planning behind the special moment than it appeared at first glance.
“It was very special and a really, really beautiful time for it,” Russell said. “A lot of thought went into it. It was a very interesting process to design the ring and organize everything.”
In the end, however, the Formula 1 pro was surprised by his own nerves. “When the moment came, I couldn’t get my words out anymore. Suddenly I got really nervous when I was down on one knee,” Russell said with a laugh.
Carmen said yes – and with that, Russell was able to use the summer break not only to recover but also for a personal milestone. The Mercedes driver also explained that he was actually able to switch off from Formula 1 largely during the break. Especially given the tight title fight, that was probably important.
“Completely, honestly,” Russell replied when asked if he was able to switch off. “Especially looking ahead to the second half of the season, which will be very intense for all of us, I just wanted to enjoy these two weeks.” However, the first ten days of the break were entirely focused on the marriage proposal.
“I hope it brings a few tenths”
Can the engagement now also provide an extra boost on the racetrack? Russell takes the question with humor. “I hope it brings a few tenths,” joked the Mercedes driver. “Even Lando will get engaged if it brings a few tenths.”
The saying fits the current situation at Mercedes, because after a difficult phase in the first half of the season, Russell needs a strong second part if he still wants to seriously contend for the title.
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Whether the private news actually provides additional performance remains, of course, open. Russell himself does not believe that his life has suddenly fundamentally changed because of the engagement.
“She has been such an important part of my life for so long”
For Russell, the engagement is rather the next step in a relationship that has accompanied him for many years. Carmen Montero Mundt has long been a central person in his life – and that is exactly why the proposal does not initially change much.
“Private life is so important for all of us,” Russell emphasizes. “We lead such a hectic life. The people we live it with are a very important part of it and experience these emotions with us.”
He has been with Carmen for “a very long time.” Therefore, the engagement is less about a radical break and more about the next step together. “I don’t think much changes because she has been such an important person in my life for so long,” Russell explains. “It was simply about taking the next step that we had to take.”
When asked about possible children, the Mercedes driver also had to respond. The journalists, however, gave him little time to evade: “When will there be a baby?”
Russell’s answer came quickly: “Straight to the point.” Then he clarified: “Not so soon, I think. At least I don’t know of any. But sometime in the future, definitely.”
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