Rising Formula 1 ace George Russell will line up alongside seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2022, after penning a long-term deal with Mercedes.
The reigning champions of the constructors’ world championship had spent several months weighing up whether to retain Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas or promote Mercedes academy product Russell.
The team’s thinking then became clear when Bottas announced on Monday that he had signed a multi-year deal with Alfa Romeo from 2022, replacing retiring countryman Kimi Raikkonen.
READ MORE: Iconic French footballer dies after 39 years in coma
“It’s a special day for me personally and professionally, but also a day of mixed emotions,” Russell said.
“I’m excited and humbled to be joining Mercedes next year, which is a huge career step, but it also means I’ll be saying goodbye to my teammates and friends at Williams. It has been an honour working alongside every member of the team, and an honour to represent the Williams name in F1.”
Russell made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2019, partnering Robert Kubica.
And while the 23-year-old has driven alongside Nicholas Latifi over the last two seasons, he filled in for Hamilton at Mercedes for the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, after the veteran tested positive to COVID-19.
Russell is now sitting 15th in the 2021 world championship, having accumulated 13 points.
He is performing very impressively considering the low-quality car he’s driving.
READ MORE: Shelby Rogers says she’ll have ‘9 million death threats’ after US Open meltdown
“Looking ahead to next season, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing,” Russell said.
“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.
“For now, though, I have nine more races as a Williams driver, and I want to make sure they are the best nine of my time with the team. Then, and only then, can I turn my attention to 2022.”
READ MORE: Sensational calls for relocation hit embattled Wests Tigers
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the call to replace Bottas with Russell was difficult but that he was rapt to welcome the youngster.
“This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us,” Wolff said.
“Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth. Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two teammates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success.
“We are very happy to confirm that George will have the opportunity to take the next step in his career and join Mercedes.
“He has been a winner in every racing category – and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here