George Russell jokes with Kimi Antonelli over viral Olivia Rodrigo dating rumors
Formula 1 driver George Russell has playfully teased his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli following a case of mistaken identity that sparked widespread rumors about the young driver dating American pop star Olivia Rodrigo. The speculation began after a viral video from a concert appeared to show a man resembling the 20-year-old racing driver in the VIP section.
The origin of the viral speculation
Social media platforms were set ablaze after a blurry video captured at an Olivia Rodrigo concert circulated online. Fans were convinced they had spotted Kimi Antonelli in the audience, leading to a flurry of speculation regarding a potential romance between the F1 star and the singer. Despite the excitement from fans on platforms like X, it was quickly confirmed to be a case of mistaken identity, as the individual in the clip merely shared a passing resemblance to the Mercedes driver.
George Russell joins in on the fun
As the rumors gained traction, George Russell decided to lean into the joke. In a lighthearted video posted to the official Mercedes Instagram account, Russell is seen browsing Spotify in the team garage, searching for Olivia Rodrigo’s music. When he asks Antonelli for his input, the young driver humorously selects the track "Déjà Vu," a nod to the repetitive nature of the online gossip.
The interaction, which has already garnered over 1.5 million views, was well-received by fans who praised Russell for his "big brother energy." The playful banter highlights the camaraderie within the Mercedes garage as the team prepares for upcoming Grand Prix events, including the race in Bahrain.
A focus on the track
While the off-track humor has provided a moment of levity, the focus remains firmly on the championship standings. George Russell recently delivered a career-best performance in Azerbaijan, securing a Grand Slam victory by leading every lap, taking pole position, and setting the fastest lap. This dominant display has helped him narrow the gap to his rivals in the world championship, keeping the pressure on as the season enters its final stretch with eight races remaining.
