FORMULA ONE driver Lando Norris says joining Mercedes has sucked the fun out of childhood pal George Russell. Norris says drivers “get shaped” and are stripped of their personality depending on what teams they’re racing for and who they’re surrounding themselves with. “Growing up with George for instance, was a lot of fun. “He was a great person, but it is different at Mercedes – a different vibe and a different atmosphere. Norris puts Russell’s change down to the pressure of racing for Merc. But he is confident Russell will be more popular if he rediscovers his “fun” former self.

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