Russell graduates to 2018 F2 seat with ART
Mercedes Formula 1 junior and reigning GP3 champion George Russell will continue to drive for ART Grand Prix in 2018, graduating to Formula 2.
Russell’s GP3 title was secured in his debut season in the series. The Englishman sealed the championship with two races to spare and helped ART to claim a seventh teams’ title in eight years.
For his debut season in F2, Russell will partner fellow rookie and compatriot Jack Aitken, who also graduates from ART’s 2017 GP3 line-up.
“I am very happy to be able to race in Formula 2 while continuing to drive for ART Grand Prix,” Russell stated.
“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 optimize 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.”
Russell’s GP3 exploits were dovetailed with F1 duties last season. In conjunction with his role as a Mercedes junior driver, Russell competed in two FP1 sessions for Force India at the end of the season.
He also ended 2017 with his first taste of F2 machinery, completing the post-season Abu Dhabi test with ART.
Team boss Sebastien Philippe highlighted that the continuation of the relationship with Russell was a ‘natural’ decision.
“ART had a very enjoyable and fruitful year with George in GP3,” he stated, “so it was only natural that we renewed our partnership for Formula 2, hand in hand with Mercedes, where George is one of their young drivers.
“ART’s experience together with George’s talent should allow us to fight and defend our title in the entry series to Formula 1.”
The team endured a difficult 2017 in F2, ending the year fourth in the teams’ standings with just two race victories, both achieved in the reverse grid sprint races.
With Russell and Aitken, ART will aim to claim a first F2 title since Stoffel Vandoorne’s championship success in 2015.