GEORGE RUSSELL was forced to apologise to Formula One rival Lando Norris after a “disgusting” prank.
The incident occurred on Saturday, one day before the Chinese Grand Prix.
![Third placed George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Race winner Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon […]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/crop-34000144.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Sunday’s dramatic race in Shanghai was full of twists and turns.
Lewis Hamilton was one of three drivers to be disqualified after the event was finished.
While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri stormed to F1 victory by nine whole seconds.
Next up on the podium was teammate Norris, with fellow Brit and Mercedes star Russell third.
But after qualifying a day earlier, the pair were involved in a humorous exchange that saw one threaten to “report to HR.”
Norris and Russell were stood next to each other in the media pen when the latter decided to play a prank.
Russell jokingly grabbed Norris’ face before poking a finger towards his mouth.
This saw Norris recoil in horror while saying: “Don’t touch me!”
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Russell laughed as he replied: “I just want to make you smile! I’ve washed my hands!”
Norris then smiled, saying: “Did you just go to the toilet?
“You better have washed your hands. That’s grim, Jesus. I need some disinfectant!”
As both men laughed, Russell then noted: “Sorry mate, that was pretty disgusting. I do apologise.”
Norris ended the exchange by jokingly adding: “I’m reporting you to HR.”