George Russell rolls back the clock as Mercedes issue Silverstone plan

George Russell has rolled back the years as Mercedes bid to get back on top in the rough and tumble world of formula one.

The British ace is the spearhead of a new campaign collection, launched by Mercedes in partnership with Adidas to mark a monumental event in the illustrious driving team's history.

Adidas and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team have this week revealed the new Silver Arrows capsule, a fanwear collection that takes inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz W196, on the 70th anniversary of its World Championship-winning season.

Designed to bring a bold, eye-catching look to the team's home race, the adidas design team looked back through the archives to pay homage to its rich heritage in Grand Prix racing.

On set for the shoot, quintessential Brit Russell looked very much at home donning a flat cap, with the silver attire of the collection tastefully mirroring the iconic W196 model.

"Silverstone is an iconic circuit on the calendar which has seen some of the sport's most thrilling races, making it the perfect stage to launch a collection inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz W196," said Adidas motorsport category GM Michael Batz.

"Our aim ahead of the home race is to honor the legacy of a team that has thrived at the highest level of motorsport and to give fans a way to celebrate that legacy too."

Mercedes chief Richard Sanders is also enthused by the collaboration, as the team bid to get back to their best on the circuit and challenge both Red Bull and Mclaren.

"Our fans understand the significance that Silverstone has to us as a team, as do adidas. It's our home and a race that has brought us many priceless moments throughout our history in Formula One.

"So, to have a collection for Silverstone, and one that pays tribute to an integral part of our history, is truly exciting, and we can't wait to see fans showing their support wearing the collection during the race weekend."

Meanwhile, Russell has still been going about making himself known on the track, as he currently breathes down the neck of Max Verstappen in third place in the current standings.

Russell sent the Dutchman a firm message with his bold driving at the Canadian Grand Prix, according to Ralf Schumacher. Russell successfully converted pole position to victory in Montreal with Verstappen coming home in second. The race finished behind the safety car due to Lando Norris crashing out while attempting to overtake his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

After the race, it emerged that Red Bull had appealed the result by submitting two protests against Russell. They claimed that he drove erratically in front of Verstappen during the safety car period in an attempt to get the Dutchman penalised. Red Bull also argued that Russell had committed 'unsportsmanlike conduct' due to his role in the incident.

"George clearly showed Max with his braking move behind the safety car: 'Hey, I know the rules too and I can do it too', but he wasn't far from a foul," Schumacher told Sky Germany.

"Even Verstappen wouldn't do something like that, he would do it a bit more gallantly, but he clearly showed Max that he is someone who wants to win with all his might and that he is willing to use any means to do so."