Russell earns ART promotion for 2018

George Russell has joined the ART F2 team for 2018 alongside Jack Aitken. The Mercedes junior driver, who has already ran in a Friday practice session for the Force India team in Brazil last year, swept to the GP3 title last season with ART and will be hoping his success with the team can carry through to next season.

ART is one of the most successful teams in the premium junior formula series, delivering GP2 championship wins for the likes of Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg and most recently Stoffel Vandoorne. Russell had tested for the team in the post season test in Abu Dhabi but has now been confirmed for the season which starts in Bahrain on April 7.

"I am very happy to be able to race in Formula 2 while continuing to drive for ART Grand Prix. We had a very successful year together last season and so it makes sense to continue working together and seek out new successes," Russell said.

"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."

Sam Gale