If you have been following Formula 1 the past few seasons, you might be familiar with this story.
George Russell enjoys a reunion with his biggest fan at the Japanese Grand Prix
Mercedes driver George Russell was reunited with his biggest fan at the Japanese Grand Prix
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
Mercedes driver George Russell and Sogo, arguably his biggest fan.
The two first met ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, when young Sogo attended a Mercedes fan event wearing a custom shirt covered in images of Russell’s famous “T pose,” which was part of F1’s “Opening Titles” that season. Russell spent some time with the young fan, and a friendship had begun.
The two were reunited at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, as Sogo spent some time in the Mercedes hospitality space at historic Suzuka International Circuit. The team also shared this video, highlighting both their initial meeting in 2024, their reunion in 2025, and footage of Sogo cheering Russell on from home:
As you might expect, with the grid back in Japan for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, Sogo and Russell were united.
And the driver’s young fan had a few surprises for him:
Not only has young Sogo — who is four years old now — learned some English so he could talk with Russell, but he also picked up karting, so he can drive like him.
And perhaps race against him someday.
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