George Russell is set to become Lewis Hamilton's partner at Mercedes.
The move was confirmed today.
It will see the 23-year-old switch from Williams to replace Valtteri Bottas, who will race for Alfa Romeo from next year.
The Englishman has impressed in recent seasons and claimed a first podium with a second-placed finish in the Belgian Grand Prix last month.
"It's a special day for me personally and professionally, but also a day of mixed emotions," he said when details of the new lineup were revealed.
"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 team-mates and friends at Williams.
“Looking ahead to next season, 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.
"Valtteri has set a high bar, consistently delivering week in and week out, scoring wins, pole positions and helping win multiple championship titles."
I want to take a moment to welcome @GeorgeRussell63 to the team. Through hard work he has rightly earned his spot. I look forward to seeing him grow as a driver with this great team and working with him to raise @MercedesAMGF1 higher. See you next year🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/CRsgrilmUd
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 7, 2021
CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff stated his belief that Russell and Hamilton can form a formidable partnership.
"It is our challenge together to help George continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time," Wolff said.
"I am confident that, as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years ahead."
Departing Bottas says that his focus remains with Mercedes for now, as they try to seal another constructors championship.
They currently lead the standings.
“I am so proud of everything we have achieved together in my time with Mercedes – and it is not over yet, because we have our biggest challenge so far to try and claim our eighth constructors’ title," Bottas said.
"When I look back on my time with Mercedes, I want to be able to say that I squeezed every drop out of this opportunity and left nothing on the table; and I want to make sure that we finish our time together as champions."
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