Breaking: Williams signs George Russell for next season
The Mercedes protegé just signed a multi year agreement with the historic team
( palabras)
The Formula 1 grid will welcome another rookie next year, but not the one everyone expected: after several speculations over both Williams seats, the historic British team just revealed a multi year agreement with Toto Wolff protegé George Russell.
The 20 years old is currently leading the F2 championship and has already collected some laps behind a Formula 1 wheel thanks to his Test and reserve driver role for Mercedes Amg F1 and Force India.
"It is a huge honour to join a team of Williams’ prestige and heritage. Formula One has been a life-long dream." Said Russell. "From watching the races when I was a child, it feels surreal that I will now be lining up on the grid, alongside drivers whom I have admired for years. I would like to thank Claire and everyone at Williams for their faith in making this decision, as well as Toto and the team at Mercedes for their fantastic support throughout GP3 and Formula 2. I am incredibly excited to start working with everyone at Grove and to take my first steps as a Formula One race driver. I cannot wait for Melbourne next year and to join Williams at the start of what we all believe will be the start of an exciting new journey."
"We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly." Added Claire Williams, the team's team principal. "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 is exactly what we need to drive the positive momentum building at Grove as we focus on the future. We are extremely excited to welcome George and work with him moving forward."
Russell move is then suggesting that Esteban Ocon chances in Williams are over and the Frenchman will likely take his place as Mercedes' third driver. It is still unknown who is going to partner Russell next year, if Sergey Sirotkin will be confirmed or if there will be another surprise for this silly season.
The 20 years old is currently leading the F2 championship and has already collected some laps behind a Formula 1 wheel thanks to his Test and reserve driver role for Mercedes Amg F1 and Force India.
"It is a huge honour to join a team of Williams’ prestige and heritage. Formula One has been a life-long dream." Said Russell. "From watching the races when I was a child, it feels surreal that I will now be lining up on the grid, alongside drivers whom I have admired for years. I would like to thank Claire and everyone at Williams for their faith in making this decision, as well as Toto and the team at Mercedes for their fantastic support throughout GP3 and Formula 2. I am incredibly excited to start working with everyone at Grove and to take my first steps as a Formula One race driver. I cannot wait for Melbourne next year and to join Williams at the start of what we all believe will be the start of an exciting new journey."
"We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly." Added Claire Williams, the team's team principal. "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 is exactly what we need to drive the positive momentum building at Grove as we focus on the future. We are extremely excited to welcome George and work with him moving forward."
Russell move is then suggesting that Esteban Ocon chances in Williams are over and the Frenchman will likely take his place as Mercedes' third driver. It is still unknown who is going to partner Russell next year, if Sergey Sirotkin will be confirmed or if there will be another surprise for this silly season.
