Mondo Duplantis presents the Pirelli Pole Position Award to Lando Norris leaving fans drawing similarities with George Russell

Mondo Duplantis, the pole vault world record holder, presented the Pirelli Pole Position Award to British Motorsports racing driver, Lando Norris, who clinched the pole position by defeating rival Max Verstappen at the US Grand Prix. Duplantis and Norris' picture prompted fans to draw similarities between the former and British F1 driver, George Russell.

Duplantis lowered his pole vault world record times for the ninth and tenth time at the Paris Olympics and Silesia Diamond League, etching his name as the most decorated pole vaulter. He then took the fashion world by storm with his Paris Fashion Week looks and also defeated 400m hurdles champion Karsten Warholm in a friendly 100m race. Duplantis then pulled off the biggest surprise at a Vogue Scandinavia photoshoot, going down on one knee to ask his long-time girlfriend, Desire Inglander for marriage. He then shifted to Formula 1, gracing the racing arena at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

The four-time Diamond League champion presented the Pirelli Pole Position Award to Lando Norris, who trounced the title defender Max Verstappen at the event.

"From a pole vaulter to a Pole holder. @mondo_duplantis presents to @landonorris the #Pirelli Pole Position Award!" (via Pirelli Instagram)

The picture posted by Pirelli's official Instagram handle, featuring Duplantis and Norris, prompted fans to draw a resemblance between the pole vaulter and George Russell.

A fan hilariously inquired the reason behind Russell giving the award to Norris.

"Why is Russell giving the award to Norris?"

Mondo Duplantis being compared to George Russell; Instagram - @pirelli_motorsport

Another fan chimed in to write:

"Bin Russel gave Lando pole" with a teary emoji.

Mondo Duplantis being compared to George Russell; Instagram - @pirelli_motorsport

Two other fans wondered whether the person standing beside Lando Norris was Russell.

Mercedes' George Russell skidded off the track at Turn 19, leaving the F1 world concerned and hampering the laps of every driver behind him. Even Lewis Hamiton, who stands with the most US Grand Prix wins, faded to ninth at the Circuit of the Americas.

Mondo Duplantis - "Pole vaulting is a strange sport I guess"

Mondo Duplantis expressing delight at the Wanda Diamond League 2024 Final - Allianz Memorial Van Damme Brussels - Source: Getty

Mondo Duplantis cleared the 6.25m mark in the French capital and became the pole vaulter to go 6 meters or above more than any athlete in history. Reflecting on his Olympic success, the 24-year-old appreciated his sport and claimed it to be the most entertaining and exotic.

"“It’s a strange sport I guess. I’m probably a bit biased but I don’t think there’s anything that’s more entertaining than pole vaulting. It’s exotic, it’s kind of a circus-level event and it’s so special," he said, via The Guardian.

Duplantis also opened u about his desire to keep the sport in the spotlight and push the sport forward by collecting more accolades.