Williams confirms George Russell for 2019

Williams therefore made the choice to once again prioritize talent over money. The British team has just announced the recruitment of George Russell, 3 GP2017 Series champion and current leader of the F2. The agreement covers several seasons. 

The 20-year-old Briton evolves in the fold of Mercedes, engine manufacturer for Williams, since last year and had driven in free practice with Force India during the 2017 Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. 

« It’s a huge honor to join a team as prestigious as Williams, said Russell, who also serves as a Mercedes reserve this season. It's a surreal feeling to think that I will be on the grid of a discipline that I have watched since I was little. I would like to thank Claire Williams and all the members of the team for their trust, as well as Toto wolff and Mercedes for the support they have given me since my time in GP3 ».

« The Williams team has always sought to promote young talent and George meets exactly these criteria and this philosophy, added Claire Williams, deputy director of the eponymous team. He is considered one of the great talents of tomorrow and we have followed his career for a long time. We are convinced that his determination, his passion, and his dedication will be crucial assets to fuel the positive dynamic that we have initiated to build the future ». 

The tenure of Russell restores a certain luster to a Williams team which has been losing speed and identity in recent seasons. Esteban Ocon, which will have to give way to Lance stroll at Force India next year, could he be his teammate? The door is not completely closed, the Norman having recently gone to the Grove factory to meet its managers. 

Ocon has in any case already sent a congratulatory message to his colleague from the Étoile young pilot program. 

Congratulations to @ GeorgeRussell63 for his @F1 promotion ! Well deserved, and great news for our sport!@WilliamsRacing @MercedesAMGF1

- Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) 12th October, 2018

With the formalization of Russell, four seats still remain to be filled in theory for 2019: two at Force India, one at Toro Rosso, and the second Williams seat. In fact, there are only two left because the Silverstone team should announce the renewal of Sergio Pérez and the arrival of Stroll at the next Mexican Grand Prix.

Russell also swells the ranks of a British contingent which will have at least three members in 2019, including the star Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and the rookie Lando Norris (McLaren).