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George Russell demonstrated his class by letting legendary Formula 1 engineer Bono take photographs with just Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli. The senior Mercedes driver finished second at the Chinese Grand Prix, with 19-year-old Antonelli claiming his first GP victory in his second F1 season.

Hamilton rounded off the podium for Ferrari and the trio headed to the stage to celebrate. F1 engineer Peter Bonnington, fondly known as Bono, was selected by Mercedes to represent the team on the podium.

He worked for years with Hamilton, helping the Brit win six of his seven World Championships. Bono now serves as Antonelli's race engineer in the Mercedes garage, and Russell was swift to recognise the connections to his two rivals.

The 28-year-old was seen stepping aside from the podium and allowing Bono to get some photographs with Antonelli and Hamilton separately. The clip was shared on social media with the caption: "This is so sweet of George. Letting Bono take a pic with his past and present drivers."

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Fans were moved by the moment as one said: "Bono really said 'my son' to Kimi on the radio today. This photo is peak family vibes. The Mercedes legacy is in good hands."

Another added: "George really seems like a genuinely thoughtful guy." A third said: "That's really wholesome, moments like this remind you how strong the bonds in Formula One teams can be. Such a thoughtful gesture."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed his own emotional feelings on his drivers' one-two finish. He said: "It is rare I am overwhelmed, but I am at the moment.

"The win has maybe come earlier than I expected. Last year we said that it's going to be a very difficult year with many ups and downs and mistakes.

"Then, bam, second race. He (Antonelli) has controlled it in the front, he has driven very well today, so he's probably a little bit better than the trajectory I thought.

"He was actually quite calm and jovial before the race but then, on the grid, you see the eyes." Following his first-ever win, Antonelli showed his team just how much it meant as he said over the radio.

"Thank you, everyone. Thank you so much. You made me achieve one of my dreams," he exclaimed. Speaking after the win, the Italian added: "I’m speechless. I’m about to cry to be honest.

"I gave myself a little bit of a heart attack ⁠towards the end with the flat spot [on the tyres]. It was a good race."