George Russell confirmed as Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes; Bottas replaces Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo

Williams F1 driver George Russell will move to Mercedes’s F1 team at the start of next season to replace Valtteri Bottas and be 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s teammate. Russell has been a part of Mercedes’ Young Driver program, and his solid performances with Williams have earned him a much-deserved move to Mercedes. 

Following the announcement, the British driver was excited about getting the opportunity to drive for Mercedes next year. 

“It’s official. Next year, I’ll be a Mercedes F1 driver. This is a special day for me personally and professionally, but also a day of mixed emotions. I’m excited and humbled to be joining Mercedes next year, which is a huge career step, but it also means I’ll be saying goodbye to my teammates and friends at Williams. It has been an honor working alongside every member of the team, and an honor to represent the Williams name in F1,” said Russell. 

The 23-year-old is currently in his third season with Williams and registered his first points for Williams at Hungary earlier this season. Lewis Hamilton congratulated Russell and was pleased that his hard work has paid off. The reigning World Champion stated that Russell is a great example for young kids to emulate. 

Russell has driven for Mercedes once, which came last season at the Sakhir Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton couldn’t compete after he tested positive for COVID-19. Although he qualified second, a mix-up in the pit lane ruined his race and he eventually finished ninth. 

Valtteri Bottas, who will be replaced by Russell, will race for Alfa Romeo next season, replacing fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who is set to retire from F1. It remains to be seen who will partner the Finn, with reports indicating that current Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi could lose his spot in the team for next season. 

Bottas, who joined Mercedes from Williams in 2017, has won nine races with Mercedes and played a key role in the team winning the Constructors’ Championship in the four seasons that he’s raced for them so far. He has often played second fiddle to Hamilton, which will not be the case at Alfa Romeo next season. 

Next season will also see the return of Alex Albon, who previously raced in F1 for Toro Rosso and Red Bull Racing. The British-born Thai racer will take Russell’s place in the Williams team and drive alongside Nicholas Latifi.