Russell ready to ‘grab huge opportunity’ at Mercedes
GEORGE RUSSELL vowed to do everything he could to seize his chance after being confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes from 2022.
The much-anticipated announcement came after Valtteri Bottas sealed a move to Alfa Romeo for next year.
Russell, who admitted he faces a ‘steep learning curve’, earns the move to the Silver Arrows after three impressive campaigns with Williams.
Russell and Hamilton will form a tantalising all-British line-up at Formula One’s all-conquering team and the seven-times world champion was quick to welcome his new team-mate, saying he was ‘looking forward to seeing him grow as a driver’.
Russell, 23, who has agreed a longterm deal, said: ‘It’s a special day for me. 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.
‘I want to do my new team-mates proud. Of course, one of those new teammates is, in my opinion, the greatest driver of all time. 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.’
Writing on Instagram, Hamilton, 36, said: ‘I want to take a moment to welcome George Russell to the team.
‘I remember meeting him when he was young, dreaming of one day being a Formula One driver. I’d only just reached my own dream of becoming an F1 driver, so I know what this day means and how it will feel for him.
‘He is a great example to all the kids out there that dreams do come true when you chase them wholeheartedly.
‘Through hard work he has rightly earned his spot on our team. I look forward to seeing him grow as a driver with this great team and working with him to raise Mercedes higher. See you next year.’
Russell’s transfer to the hottest seat in F1 comes after three seasons with struggling Williams, and a hugely impressive stand-in display for a Covid-hit Hamilton in Bahrain last December.
He also produced a memorable qualifying lap to put his uncompetitive Williams on the front row of the grid for last month’s Belgian Grand Prix, duly taking second place following the two-lap race run behind the safety car.
It’s a special day for me. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing