Rising British Star becomes the latest talent selected by the Silver Arrows for Racing Support. Russell becomes the third member of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Young Driver Programme, joining incumbents Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon.

George showed speed determination and fighting spirit to seal third place in the 2016 European Formula 3 Championship, with Mercedes-Benz powering him to a total of three pole positions, two wins, ten podium finishes and five fastest laps along the way.

Toto Wolff "George has shown impressive form in the junior categories and we've been keeping a close eye on him for a while now"
"It's still early days in his career but we see great potential in him."

For 2017, George will compete in the GP3 Series with ART Grand Prix on Formula One weekends, following in the footsteps of fellow Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Junior Esteban Ocon and of course, newly announced race driver Valterri Bottas - both of whom won the championship en route to F1

With the first pre-season test for the 2017 GP3 Series still a number of weeks away, George is keen to maximise his time at Brackley in the interim. But he's under no illusions as to his top priority for the year ahead.

George Russell  "It is great to be a part of the Junior Programme", beamed George. "It is an incredible opportunity to have the backing of the Formula One World Champions. I'm proud to have been given this kind of recognition for all the hard work that's gone into my career over the years so far".

"I've started doing some work with the team in the simulator and it's already become clear to me that I am working with people who are the best in the business, who I know will help me develop as a driver and as a person," commented George. "Of course my priority is to get the job done over the coming season in GP3 and I am fully focused on that. But this opportunity is a huge motivation and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It should be an exciting year ahead."

Report: Mercedes-AMG Petronas

Images: Mercedes-AMG Petronas

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