In a November 2022 video interview, George Russell discussed his first season with Mercedes, the watches he wore and how timekeeping fits a Formula 1 schedule. The “virtual hot lap” is headline language: the feature is a conversation, not a simulator session or on-track demonstration.
What the interview covers
Published by Time+Tide Watches on 19 November 2022, the interview looks at Russell’s move to Mercedes and his interest in watches. Its timing matters: it was published after the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Russell had just taken his first Formula 1 win, and shortly after a solid weekend in Mexico.
Russell had spent three years at Williams before joining Mercedes for 2022. The interview describes Mercedes as trailing Red Bull and Ferrari for car pace that season. Russell nevertheless saw encouragement in the team recognizing development mistakes. He pointed to his first pole position, in Budapest, and a strong Zandvoort weekend among the season’s highlights. Time+Tide reported eight podiums at the time; that is a dated tally, not a current career total.
How Russell’s interest in watches began
Russell traced his early exposure to watches to his father’s daily habit: “Growing up, my father used to wear a watch daily. I’d never see him without a watch on”. He also described gaining respect for the craft behind a watch: “When you see the watch and the design process, you get the appreciation for the work”.
#1 Best Overall
- High-octane energy – Meet The Formula Fanatic blazing around the track in his sleek red racer, capturing every turn with fearless precision on navy cotton
- Premium comfort blend – 72% cotton, 26% nylon, 2% elastane delivers soft breathability with durable stretch for all-day comfort
- One size, zero stress – US 8-13 sizing fits most men perfectly, making these the ultimate easy gift that always lands on target
- Perfect car enthusiast gifts – Ideal car gifts for men, car lover gifts for him, race car gifts for men, birthday gifts, Father's Day presents
- A garage conversation starter – Bold navy base with vibrant red racing graphics creates an instant connection with fellow car racing fans
He connected the precision involved in watchmaking with the demands of his own profession: “They probably work at an even higher precision than us in Formula 1, just because of the small size”. These are Russell’s comments as transcribed in the 2022 interview.
Which IWC watches the interview names
The article distinguishes between the watch Russell wore in the interview’s photograph and the one he said he wore most often. They are not presented as the same watch.
Rank #2
- PLAYFUL RACE-DAY STYLE：Bold sole wording and checkered-flag graphics bring a lighthearted touch to race viewing, watch parties, and motorsports events
- LOCALIZED SOLE DESIGN：Text and graphic areas form localized grip sections underfoot, adding textured contact without claiming full-sole or tested slip resistance
- COTTON CREW CONSTRUCTION：Made from 90% cotton and 10% spandex , crew socks provide everyday coverage with a universal fit designed mainly for men
- VERSATILE CASUAL WEAR：Suitable for race-day activities, daily outings, casual exercise, outdoor use, and pairing with sneakers
- ONE PAIR GIFT BOX：Includes one pair of cotton crew socks in an Ao Yee ZGL gift box, ready for birthdays, watch parties, and December holiday gifting
- Pictured watch: The photo caption identifies an IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG,” and the article says Russell was wearing it in that instance.
- Other Pilot’s watches mentioned: Russell had also worn the IWC Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.”
- Most-worn watch, according to Russell: The IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar. The article gives a 44.2 mm case and a seven-day power reserve, and says Russell wore it most often. It does not provide a complete reference number or details such as movement, price or present-day availability.
Russell’s reason for favoring the Portugieser was practical as well as personal: “I wear the Portugieser all the time. It works really well on my wrist, and goes with anything”. He added that “the seven-day power reserve is really helpful. I was never really good at winding my watch”. Both statements describe his preference in 2022, not necessarily his current choice.
Why a watch matters in an F1 schedule
For Russell, a watch is a useful tool in a tightly organized working life. He said: “My watch helps to be there on time. It may sound simple, but the life we live, our schedules are planned to the minute, and being late has a knock-on effect for everything, so you become heavily reliant on your watch”.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- COME IN ELEGANT GIFT BOX: Searching for the ideal gift for Formula 1 fans? The F1 socks come in elegant gift box, Idealas a gift for any occasion
- F1 SOCKS: racing socks for men with feature a humorous and funny quote "DO NOT DISTURB I'M WATCHING F1, The gift for Formula 1 fans
- ONE SIZE: Fit most men with US shoe sizes 7-13 and sock sizes 8-14, accommodate most foot sizes. They are easy to wear and maintain, Celebrate the excitement of racing with these stylish and comfortable socks!
- COMFORTABLE: Made of cotton blend fabric, comfortable and stretchable, fits most calf sizes for maximum comfort
- F1 RACING GIFTS FOR MEN: Perfect for people who love formula 1 racing, motorsport fans, these drag racing socks are ideal for Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, birthdays, and other holidays, A perfect gift for any occasion.
That observation gives the interview its clearest link between racing and watchmaking: the connection is not a claim that a watch improves lap times, but Russell’s account of relying on timekeeping when travel and professional schedules leave little room for delay.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this 2022 feature does—and doesn’t—establish
The interview is a dated profile of Russell’s first Mercedes season and his watch preferences at that point. It does not establish his current F1 status, standings or choice of watch. Nor does it offer a full technical comparison of the named IWC models: aside from the Portugieser’s quoted case size and power reserve, it provides no comparable specifications, pricing or current stock information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Experience the Thrill of 3D F1 Car Night Light: Bring the excitement of the racetrack into your space with our innovative lamp that projects stunning 3D Formula 1 car illusions. When illuminated, it creates a dramatic visual of a speeding F1 car, capturing the essence of high-speed racing. Meticulously crafted from precision laser-engraved acrylic, this is an essential collectible for motorsport enthusiasts and future racing champions.
- Precision Performance Controls: Take command of 16 dynamic color options with wireless remote operation. Fine-tune the intensity with adjustable brightness settings and choose from 4 racing-inspired lighting modes: Pit Stop (Flash), Checkered Flag (Strobe), Victory Lap (Fade), and Qualifying (Smooth). Powered by 3*AAA batteries or USB connection (batteries not included), featuring a strategic 1-24 hour automatic pit-stop timer.
- Track-Worthy Durability: Engineered with the same precision as Formula 1 technology, featuring dual power flexibility and advanced LED systems that deliver crisp, flicker-free illumination. The energy-efficient design ensures long-lasting performance while being completely safe for children's environments.
- The Perfect Gift for Racing Fans: An exceptional present for birthdays, holidays, race day celebrations, or as a championship trophy for enthusiasts. This dynamic light transforms bedrooms, game rooms, offices, and garages into personal paddocks, celebrating the passion for motorsports.
- Podium-Worthy Guarantee: Start your engines with confidence, backed by our 18-month warranty and dedicated support team. If this night light doesn't cross the finish line of your expectations, we provide a no-questions-asked returns process - quick, straightforward, and hassle-free.
Rank #4
- This keychain is a fun and unique way to show off your love for racing! Whether you’re adding some flair to your keys, backpack, or even your car, this keychain brings that motorsport vibe with you everywhere you go
- Built to Last:keychain is made of high-quality zinc alloy material, corrosion-resistant, and not easy to rust.Plus, they're small and lightweight, so you can take them with you wherever you go
- Cool Design: these keychains feature realistic F1 racing car shapes, mirror metal textur
- Great Gift: Ideal for Father's/Mother's Day, birthdays, or just because, it's a simple yet awesome gift for car lovers, motorsport enthusiasts, or anyone who loves F1
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
