Russell: Today, the audience would be unhappy with Raikkonen.

      Formula 1 racers actively conduct social media, including George Russell. The Mercedes team leader said that he tries to maintain a balance between telling fans about himself, respecting the interests of sponsors and protecting his personal life.

      George suggested that if Kimi Raikkonen had made his Formula 1 debut now, he would not have gained popularity because of his closeness in public.

      "I believe that everything you see on social media, no matter who you're talking about, is ultimately not reality," Motorsport-Total quotes George Russell as saying. – Just because everyone is trying to show the best version of themselves.

      If you take hundreds of photos, you won't post the one where your eyes are closed or you look like an idiot. And this is a toxic feature of social media. For example, I have little nieces and nephews who imitate singers or famous people, but everything we post on social media is not real life, if you know what I mean.

      To be honest, I don't show anyone what I really am, because I want to keep my safe space. When I'm with a girlfriend, family, or friends, there are no cameras near us. For example, at my parents' or her parents' house. Or on vacation, when no one is around, we can be ourselves. At times like this, I don't want to be on my phone all the time, taking photos for social media.

      But it's not that simple, because at the same time I want to be real with the fans who follow Formula 1, follow me and make the sport what it is. That's why sponsors pay money to be a part of the team, and that's how I make my living. You can't bite a nursing hand – you need to understand that times are changing.

      Kimi Raikkonen is an incredible person, but if he came to Formula 1 today, the fans would probably be unhappy that he doesn't use social media or is so silent. This is the challenge we face today."