Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell has taken on a driverless, AI-controlled Mercedes in a new video by YouTuber MrBeast. Fortunately, he was able to stay ahead of the computer-driven car, keeping Team Human ahead in the creator’s latest mega-challenge.
In the episode, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, pitted some of the world’s greatest athletes against advanced robots in several stunts. Russell was tasked with driving faster than a driverless Mercedes-AMG GT driven by an advanced AI brain that has reactions outpacing even the race winner himself.
The AI car headed out first, tackling the circuit with a surprising level of performance. The F1 driver watched on as the car guided itself smoothly from corner to corner, following the racing line. “Anything around two minutes is a really good lap time on this track,” says Russell. The AI’s time was confirmed at 2m01s.
This became Russell’s target as he lowered himself into the German sports car, with Donaldson joking that “the fate of humanity” rested on his shoulders.
Despite some sideways action from the racing star, resulting in him being two seconds off the pace for a good portion of his lap, he was able to finish the lap with a time of 1m57s, beating the AI racer. He was awarded a medal for his efforts.
The video, which also features NBA legend Manu Ginóbili, Olympic sprint champion Noah Lyles and other elite athletes facing off against specialist machines, has received over 11 million views in less than 24 hours since it was uploaded.
George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Russell’s focus now rests on the Las Vegas Grand Prix with him starting fourth in today’s race after a “horrendous” wet qualifying session.
“It wasn’t fun at all, but it’s a nice challenge,” he told the media after qualifying. “You know, you don’t want it to be the same every week. It’s a nice challenge.”
According to the driver, a steering issue stifled his attempt at a higher grid position.
“I had a steering issue in Q3. I don’t know what it was. It was like a power steering issue. It was a real shame, obviously. It was quickest in P3, quickest in Q1, quickest in Q2. And on my second lap, I thought I had to stop the car on track, because I couldn’t turn the steering properly.
“So I don’t know what it was. I feel fortunate to have qualified P4, considering. But of course, it feels like a missed opportunity.”
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