F2 champion Russell can be F1 ‘star of the future’ - Mercedes
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hasꦓ backed new Williams Formula 1 recruit George Russell to become a “star in the future”.
Russell has been si꧙gned by Williams following back-to-back title triumphs in F1’s direct feeder championships GP3 and Formula 2, the latter of which he sealed ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris after🦄 taking seven wins.
The 20-year-old Mercedes-backed driver will partner the returning Robert Kubica during his rookie season at the British squad a▨s the team looks to recover from a disappoint🅰ing 2018 campaign.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has b꧑acked new Williams Formula 1 recruit George Russell to꧑ become a “star in the future”.
Russell has been signed by Williams following back-to-back title triumphs in F1’s direct feeder championships&nbs🧔p;GP3 and Formula 2, the latter of which he sealed ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris after taking seven📖 wins.
The 20-year-old Mercedes-backed driver will partner the returning Robert Kubica during his rookie season at the British squad as the team looks to recover from a disappointin✨g 2018 campaign.
“I can only repeat what Sebastien Philippe [ART GP team boss] said, that George is one of the best we’ve ev⛄er had within our team,” Wolff explained.
“I think we might 💯have another young Brit🐽ish boy here that can become a star in the future.”
Wolff recalled his first meeting with R🍌ussell following his first single-seater title success in the British F4 Championship in 2014 and explained how the Briton immediately made an im🎃pression on Mercedes.
“My first encounter with George was when ꩵhe was 15 or 16 years old, and he asked me for a meeting - I really enjoy meeting those young kids full of dreams,” he said.
“He came in a black suit in a tie with a notebook, and he sಌaid I’ve just won the F4 title in Britis☂h F4, and I’m considering doing F3 and my feeling is that I should be staying with a British team because I’m very young and I understand Carlin.
“And 𒀰[he] asked would that close the Mercedes door for me if I’m not on a Mercedes engine 🌸in F3 in my first year?
“It was such a reflecཧtive question from a 15 year old or 16 year old, it was really amazing. So he has the brain, he has the empathy, the social skills and the driving.”
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for mahbx.com around the world. 🐠Often reporting on the action🍒 from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
