Mercedes announces George Russell for the 2022 season

The expected announcement has finally come. After the formalization of the departure of Valtteri Bottas in Alfa Romeo, Mercedes confirmed the Finn's replacement by George Russell. Supported by the German structure, the Briton will have his chance alongside Lewis Hamilton next season after three years at Williams. With the Grove team, the driver from King's Lynn made his mark by progressing from the back of the grid to his first podium in Formula 1, at the Belgian Grand Prix. He even had a glimpse of victory in Sakhir at the end of last season when he replaced his future teammate, then positive for Covid-19, for what will remain his first race with Mercedes.

“This is a special day for me personally and professionally, but also a day of mixed emotions, reacted George Russell. I I am delighted and honored to be joining Mercedes next year, which is an important step in my career, but it also means that I will say goodbye to my teammates and friends at Williams. It has been an honor to work alongside every member of the team and an honor to represent the Williams name in F1. Since my arrival in 2019, we have worked tirelessly to push each other forward and get the team back on the grid to where it belongs. We fought for every qualifying position, every point and every tenth of a second. No matter how hard it was, no one ever gave up, and that inspired me every day. I have loved every moment of what I would describe as a true heart and soul racing team, and I will push harder than ever to make sure we finish our story in the best way possible.”

The Briton also judges the new role he will have next season at Mercedes: “It’s a huge opportunity and I want to grab it with both hands. But I have no illusions about the scale of the challenge; It's going to be a steep learning curve. Valtteri set the bar high, delivering consistently week after week, scoring wins, pole positions and helping to secure multiple championship titles. » A challenge that he will have to take on alongside his youth idol: “I have admired Lewis since I was in the karting and the opportunity to learn from someone who has become a role model both on and off the track can only benefit me as a driver, a professional and a human being. »

(I.e. @ GeorgeRussell63 will race for the Team alongside @LewisHamilton from the 2022 F1 season! pic.twitter.com/pcyOqlSxdi

- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) September 7, 2021