Why Russell is 'the happiest he's ever been'

Mercedes' George Russell has opened up on his move to Monaco, saying he now feels 'the happiest he's ever been'.

The Principality has long been a desirable place of residence for Formula 1 drivers, who are attracted its agreeable climate and central location as much as its status as a tax haven.

In addition to Charles Leclerc, who is a Monaco national, other current F1 drivers to have taken up residency in the Principality include Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and Sergio Perez, while former drivers such as Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg all have bases in Monaco.

"I've been here for five or six months now, [I'm] really enjoying it," Russell told media, including RacingNews365.com, adding that the Cote d'Azur compared favourably to his own upbringing in England's Norfolk.

"It's exceeded my expectations, [from] being a kid from the country, growing up in a field and looking at grey skies, and nothing other than my Labrador.

"Being here, [there is] a really great community, some good friends, jumping in the sea every single day training and with sunshine. As I said, it's exceeded my expectations.

"It's probably the happiest I've been ever in my life, these past six months or so. Very glad to be here."