Formula One news - George Russell to partner fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2022
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ByEurosport
Updated 07/09/2021 at 09:28 GMT
George Russell has achieved a Belgian GP front-row and a maiden F1 podium in 2021 has previously been hailed by Lewis Hamilton as "one of the members of the future of the sport". After an impressive three years at Williams, the 23-year-old from King's Lynn will join up with the seven-time world champion to forge one of the most exciting partnerships in recent F1 history.
George Russell
Image credit: Getty Images
George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season after it was announced on Monday that Valtteri Bottas is joining Alfa Romeo.
As well as enjoying a successful 2021 season so far, Russell is a former Formula 2 champion, taking victory in 2018 before joining Mercedes ahead of the 2019 season.
Mercedes said in a statement: "His work ethic and performance have continued to impress during his three seasons with Williams.
"He is now ready to make the step to Mercedes and to continue his career development alongside Lewis Hamilton, after signing a long-term contract with the team."
Russell said: “It's a special day for me personally and professionally, but also a day of mixed emotions. I’m excited and humbled to be joining Mercedes next year, which is a huge career step, but it also means I’ll be saying goodbye to my team-mates and friends at Williams. It has been an honour working alongside every member of the team, and an honour to represent the Williams name in F1.
"Since I joined in 2019, we have worked tirelessly to push each other forward and bring the team back up the grid where it belongs. We’ve battled for every qualifying position, every point, and every tenth of a second. No matter how tough it’s been, nobody has ever given up, and that has inspired me every day.
I’ve loved every moment in what I’d describe as a true heart and soul racing team, and I’ll be pushing harder than ever to make sure we end our story in the best possible way.
“Looking ahead to next season, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing. It’s a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.
"But I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge; it’s going to be a steep learning curve. Valtteri has set a high bar, consistently delivering week in and week out, scoring wins, pole positions and helping win multiple championship titles."
Russell also explained how he idolised Hamilton growing up.
He added: "I’ve looked up to Lewis since I was in go-karts and the opportunity to learn from someone who has become a role model both on and off track can only benefit me as a driver, a professional, and a human being.
"For now, though, I have nine more races as a Williams driver, and I want to make sure they are the best nine of my time with the team.
"Then, and only then, can I turn my attention to 2022. A huge thank you to Williams, to Mercedes and to everyone who has supported me in getting to where I am today. I couldn’t have done it without every single one of you.”
Team principal Toto Wolff said: "He has been a winner in every racing category – and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1. Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.
"I am confident that as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years to come."
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