Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Mercedes F1 protege and GP3 champion Russell gets 2018 ART F2 seat

Mercedes-backed GP3 champion George Russell will remain with ART Grand Prix for his 2018 graduation to Formula 2

Russell, 19, will again partner his GP3 team-mate and title rival Jack Aitken at the team, with ART opting for an all-rookie line-up.

"I am very happy to be able to race in Formula 2 while continuing to drive for ART Grand Prix," Russell said.

"We had a very successful year together last season and so it makes sense to continue working together and seek out new successes.

"With the introduction of a new Formula 2 car, it will be challenging for all the teams to optimise the set-up from the start of the season, but I have every confidence in ART Grand Prix to get there and to be competitive as quickly as possible.

"I cannot wait to take part in the first race and fight against some of the best drivers and teams at the pinnacle of junior motorsport."

The 2014 BRDC British Formula 4 (now F3) champion and McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner, Russell moved into GP3 in 2017 after two European Formula 3 seasons and won four races en route to a dominant title.

He subsequently made his debut behind the wheel of an F2 car, driving for ART in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.

He also trialled Mercedes' 2017-spec Formula 1 car in official in-season testing and did two grand prix weekend free practice sessions with Force India, with which he is still in discussions about an '18 role.

ART team boss Sebastien Philippe said: "ART Grand Prix had a very enjoyable and fruitful year with George in GP3, both sporting and personal, so it was only natural that we renewed our partnership for Formula 2, hand in hand with Mercedes-Benz, where George is one of their young drivers.

"ART Grand Prix's experience together with George's talent should allow us to fight and defend our title in the entry series to Formula 1."

ART is the fourth F2 team to confirm its full line-up for 2018 - and the only one so far to opt for an all-rookie pairing.

2018 F2 line-up so far

Prema Racing: Nyck de Vries, Sean Gelael
ART Grand Prix: George Russell, Jack Aitken
Arden International: Nirei Fukuzumi, tba
Carlin: Sergio Sette Camara, Lando Norris
Charouz Racing System: Antonio Fuoco, Louis Deletraz

Yet to announce drivers: DAMS, MP Motorsport, Campos Racing, Racing Engineering, Trident, Fortec Motorsports

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Renault F1 junior Jack Aitken steps up to F2 with ART
Next article Honda's Fukuzumi will skip Super Formula races and prioritise F2

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe