Mercedes protege and current F2 Drivers’ Championship leader George Russell has secured a drive at Williams for the 2019 season.
The 20-year-old has signed a “multi-year agreement” with the British team. However, his Mercedes links will stay. Russell has been a test and reserve driver for the German team this season.
Russell tested for Mercedes customer team Force India as well this season. But, Lawrence Stroll’s takeover of the team and a crazy transfer market has threatened George’s promotion to F1 and fellow Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon’s 2019 drive.
Williams are now last in the Constructors’ Championship and hope to change their fortunes with the signing of a young and talented driver like Russell.
George’s teammate identity is still unknown. Lance Stroll is most likely to leave Williams to drive for Racing Point Force India next season. Lance’s current teammate, Sergey Sirotkin, is vying for a second season in F1. Robert Kubica has not given up hope of an F1 comeback. And Esteban Ocon had previously declared Williams was his last realistic option.
2019 F1 Lineup So Far
Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas
Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc
Red Bull: Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly
Renault: Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg
Haas: Romain Grosjean, Kevin Magnussen
McLaren: Carlos Sainz Jr, Lando Norris
Racing Point Force India: TBC, TBC
Toro Rosso: Daniil Kvyat, TBC
Sauber: Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi
Williams: George Russell, TBC