George Russell, new recruit to the Mercedes junior program

Like Red Bull and Ferrari, Mercedes always has an eye on the promotion formulas, in the person of Toto Wolff, to discover the future of Formula One drivers. The Brackley team has set its sights on 18-year-old Briton George Russell, a competitor of Lance Stroll in the European Formula 3 Championship this season. He distinguished himself with two victories and ten podiums to secure 3rd place in the drivers’ championship and 2nd place in the team championship for Hitech Racing (powered by Mercedes).

« George has shown excellent form in the junior categories and we have kept a very close eye on him. He is still at the beginning of his career but we see good potential in him » said Toto Wolff.

Following in the footsteps of Esteban Ocon (2015 champion) and Charles Leclerc (2016 champion), George Russell will participate in the 2017 GP3 Series season with the ART Grand Prix team. “The next challenge for George is in GP3, it will be a good test to determine his potential for the future,” he added.

The British driver reacted to the announcement: “It’s great to be part of the junior program. It’s an incredible opportunity to have the support of Formula One world champions. I’m proud to have been given this recognition for the work I’ve put into my career over the past few years.”

I started working with the team in the simulator and quickly realized that I was working with people who are the best at what they do, who I know will help me grow as a driver and as a person. Of course, my priority is to finish the work before the GP3 season opener and I am fully focused on that. But this opportunity is a huge source of motivation and my eyes are already set on this next challenge. It should be a very exciting year, concluded George Russell.