Russell confirmed as Hamilton’s team-mate
George Russell has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate at Mercedes.
The much-anticipated announcement comes after ValtteriBottassealedamovetoAlfa Romeo for 2022.
Englishman Russell, 23, earns the move to the Silver Arrows after three impressive campaigns with Williams.
Russell and Hamilton, 37, next year, will form a tantalising all-British line-up at Formula One’s all-conquering team.
Commenting on his blockbuster transfer, Russell, who has agreed a long-term deal withMercedes,said:“It’saspecial day for me personally and professionally.
“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 goingtobeasteeplearningcurve.
“I want to do my new teammates proud. Of course, one of those new team-mates 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,aprofessional,andahuman being.”
In a message posted on Instagram, seven-time world champion Hamilton said: “I want to take a moment to welcome George Russell to the team.
“I remember meeting him when he was young, dreaming ofonedaybeingaFormulaOne 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.Throughhardworkhehas rightly earned his spot on our team. See you next year.”