George Russell will act as a “great fit” for Williams when he steps up to the Formula 1 team for 2019, according to deputy team boss Claire Williams.
Williams announced on Friday that 20-year-old Mercedes-backed Russell will make his debut in the championship next season after penning a multi-year deal with the squad.
Russell is poised to graduate to Formula 1 as the reigning Formula 2 champion, having taken six wins to open a 37-point advantage over primary rival Alexander Albon.
It would be the third title in five years for Russell, having claimed the BRDC British F4 crown in 2014 and the GP3 championship in 2017.
Williams has endured a troubled 2018 with its recalcitrant FW41 and is rooted to the foot of the 10-team Constructors’ Championship, having amassed only seven points.
“We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly,” said Williams.
“He is already highly regarded in the paddock and a driver whose career we have been watching for a while.
“In the time we have spent with him so far, we believe that he will be a great fit for our team.
“His commitment, passion and dedication is exactly what we need to drive the positive momentum building at Grove as we focus on the future.”
Russell is set to be one of three full-time rookies on the 2019 Formula 1 grid.
Lando Norris will step up to McLaren in place of Stoffel Vandoorne, while Antonio Giovinazzi is to replace Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc at Sauber.
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