"Big Sis" George Russell the new sweetheart of the fans at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix

The "Big Sis" hashtag is a pun stemming from the Chinese translation of Russell's surname, pronounced "La Jie", with the second Chinese character being the symbol for elder sister.

Fans on the popular ​social media app RedNote are joking that the 28-year-old driver resembles a beautiful ​big sister - someone you admire, look up to, and who also takes ⁠care of you - alongside screenshots from the latest season of Netflix's docu-series "Drive to Survive", ​showing Russell taking Antonelli, then in his first year in the sport, under his wing.

"His ​sisterly vibe really stands out: like a prim and proper British lady (but not a grandma)," wrote one user. "'Sister' is a feeling, an aura, a state," said another.

"There is only one Queen in F1! George Russell!" ​another post read, leaning into the sentiment among Chinese fans that his good looks ​carry a uniquely feminine quality compared with the other current crop of F1 drivers.

Big question marks hung ‌over ⁠Russell and Mercedes after seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton shocked the sport by announcing he would leave the team for rivals Ferrari for the 2025 season.

Pundits wondered whether Russell was ready to lead the championship-contending team, and how the 18-year-old would fill Hamilton's shoes.

But ​as the latest season ​of the Netflix ⁠hit shows, the five-time race winner rose to the occasion, providing his rookie Italian teammate a guiding hand during a Championship in ​which Mercedes would finish second.

"I love the Chinese fans, and they ​clearly know ⁠what they're talking about!" Russell said, when asked about the hashtag by Reuters. "I'm going to print them (the comments) off, and keep them for the record!"

The winner of last weekend's 2026 season-opening ⁠Australian ​Grand Prix would not be drawn on who he ​thought was the most attractive F1 driver.

Not that there is much doubt among his Chinese fan base.

"His beauty is ​the pride of Mercedes-Benz," another fan declared online. (Reporting by Joe Cash)