George Russell says he feels “on top of the world” after being handed a drive with Williams for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The British driver has agreed a multi-year deal with the Oxfordshire-based outfit having enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks since joining the Mercedes young driver programme in 2017.
The 20-year-old won the GP3 title last year and is on course to follow that up by clinching the Formula 2 championship this term.
The Norfolk-born driver has had a taster of F1 previously, taking part in two practice sessions for Force India last year, but has now been handed a chance to compete with the likes of world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel week in, week out from next season.
“It is a huge honour to join a team of Williams’ prestige and heritage. Formula One has been a life-long dream,” said Russell.
From watching the races when I was a child, it feels surreal that I will now be lining up on the grid, alongside drivers whom I have admired for years.”
Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams added: “We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly.
“He is already highly regarded in the paddock and a driver whose career we have been watching for a while.”
Russell will replace the Force India-bound Lance Stroll in the Williams line-up for next season, with the second position still up for grabs.
It is understood Esteban Ocon had been in the frame for a spot in the team but Russell’s appointment seems to have ended the Frenchman’s chances.
Instead, it looks likely either Sergey Sirotkin, who currently drives for the team but has only scored one point all season, or Robert Kubica will be Russell’s team mate for 2019.
The best online casinos and betting sites are reviewed and ranked by our online casino and betting experts – check out the best casino and betting sites.
See the related resources and list of the top recommended casinos and betting sites:
Best Online Casinos
Best New Casinos
Key Areas of Focus in Our Comprehensive Assessment
Our review process at BetOnAces.com involves a detailed examination of several crucial aspects:
Game Variety
The diversity of games and betting markets is a key factor for any betting operator, whether in casino gaming or sports betting. We assess the range of games and betting options available, ensuring a wide and varied selection that caters to the varied tastes of a global audience.
Bonus and Welcome Offers
In the competitive landscape of online gambling, bonuses and welcome offers play a significant role. We scrutinize each offer, including the latest, longstanding, and those recently refreshed, to ensure fairness and clarity. Our analysis aims to provide insights especially beneficial for those new to online gambling, covering various bonus types from Free Spins and No Deposit Bonuses to Enhanced Odds and Matched Deposits.
User Experience
We analyze the ease of use of gambling sites, focusing on how simple it is for users to find what they need. Our review process includes examining the efficiency of the sign-up process, account management, and overall navigation. A gambling site must provide a seamless and intuitive user experience to earn our endorsement.
Payment Options
We extensively review the payment methods offered by gambling sites, emphasizing ease of transactions. This review covers everything from the eligibility of different payment operators to the specifics of depositing and withdrawing funds.
Mobile App Experience
Recognizing the growing trend towards mobile gambling, we evaluate the quality of mobile betting apps. Our assessment focuses on the availability of sports betting markets and casino games, as well as the overall functionality and user-friendliness of mobile platforms.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of online gambling platforms are paramount. We assess each site's adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring they promote responsible gambling and offer adequate protections for users.
Customer Support
The quality of customer support is a critical component of our reviews. We interact with support teams to gauge their responsiveness, helpfulness, and availability, ensuring that the gambling sites provide top-notch customer service.
By covering these essential areas in our reviews, BetOnAces.com aims to provide gamblers around the world with reliable and informative insights, helping them make informed choices about where to gamble online.
