Williams Martini Racing has decided to launch third British driver, George Russell, on Formula 1 track next year. He will join Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and McLaren’s Lando Norris at F1 track his year.
The 20-year-old has been handed over a “multi-year contract” by Williams for his Formula 1 career. He had been attached with Mercedes as a trainee and had aced Formula Two Championship this year.
Russell told BBC, “I feel on top of the world. It has been a lifelong dream to make it to F1 ever since I started racing when I was seven.
“It was a long road. Suddenly it’s here and it just feels amazing.”
He expressed his commitment to Williams while remaining attaché to Mercedes but added, “As of 2019, I am fully contracted to Williams and that is my 100% full focus.”
Claire Williams explained the team’s decision, she said: “We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly.
“He is already highly regarded in the paddock and a driver whose career we have been watching for a while.
“In the time we have spent with him so far, we believe that he will be a great fit for our team. His commitment, passion and dedication are exactly what we need.”
A ‘perfect progression’
Russell expressed his readiness for the Formula 1s opportunity being provided to him. He had participated in two practice sessions for Force India last year. He has remained part of Mercedes young driver’s family and worked as testing driver for Mercedes.
Russell said, “I am extremely well prepared. I have been very fortunate with the guidance and opportunity Mercedes have given me over the past two years.
“I have never been thrown in at the deep end. I started off with a private test in a 2015 car at the start of last year before getting the opportunity to test the 2017 car in Budapest and then into the P1 sessions with Force India.
“It has been a perfect progression and slope into a full-time race seat and I really feel that now I am ready for this.”
Lessons from Hamilton
Russell while his stay at Mercedes has learnt a lot form four times world champion Lewis Hamilton and his team.
“It has been an incredible opportunity for me to see how he approaches and deals with a race weekend from within,” Russell said.
“Just seeing how he approaches situations and the relationships was a great insight for me.
