F1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying LIVE RESULTS: Hamilton looks to overhaul Verstappen in Monza

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON will be gunning to take top spot back from Max Verstappen as the F1 season heads to Italy this weekend.The Dutchman Verstappen went to the top of the Driver’s Championship after his victory at home in the Dutch Grand Prix last week.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Follow all of the latest updates below…
      QUICKEST IN PRACTICE
      Lewis Hamilton was the quickest man in practice, but can he keep that pace up throughout the weekend?
      The Brit went almost half a second quicker than rival Max Verstappen in the first practice in what was a perfect start for the seven-time World Champion.
      There’s still a long way to go until that chequered flag on Sunday though…

      QUALIFYING COUNTDOWN
      The drivers will re-take to the track in Monzo in just over an 90 minutes time.
      Qualifying for tomorrow’s sprint race is set to get underway at 5pm (UK time).
      Lewis Hamilton was the fastest man in practice earlier this afternoon, with Max Verstappen almost half a second slower.
      TOTO TALKS
      Here’s Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff’s assessment of the first practice.
      He said: “I was quite pleased – we only saw one lap with the engine properly turned up, but you know how it goes – three hours later you get one on the nose.
      “I think we are all struggling on power units, they work hard.
      “We haven’t come to a conclusion yet.”
      PRACTICE LEADERBOARD
      Lance Stroll has gone fourth fastest in practice, 0.750 seconds off Lewis Hamilton’s benchmark time of 1:20:926.
      Last year’s winner Pierre Gasly is fifth fastest, with Sebastian Vettel sixth.
      Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez round off the top ten.
      HAMILTON TOPS PRACTICE
      And it is Lewis Hamilton who ends the first practice session as the fastest driver.
      It’s by quite a distance actually.
      He’s 0.452s ahead of Max Verstappen.
      Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valteri Bottas is third fastest.
      LEWIS TAKES THE LEAD
      And now Hamilton posts the fastest time as he dons a new set of medium tyres.
      He clocks a 1:20:926.
      VERSTAPPEN GOES TOP
      Max Verstappen is now the quickest man on the track.
      He’s 0.073seconds ahead of Valteri Bottas in second place.
      The Red Bull man just posted a lap time of 1:21:378.
      PIRELLI UPDATE
      Midway through the first practice in Monza and it’s Lewis Hamilton who is currently the quickest man around the track.
      Tyre provider Pirelli have taken to Twitter to confirm the seven-time World Champion is enjoying his practice session.
      They said: “So far it’s @LewisHamilton fastest on the medium tyre for @MercedesAMGF1.
      “There’s a lot riding on this race, and more opportunity to score points too, with extra points given to the sprint qualifying race winner tomorrow.”
      TRACK COOKING
      The heat in Monza means the track temperature is nearing 40C.
      It’s a hot day in North-East Italy.
      TEN MINUTE WARNING
      There’s just TEN minutes to go now until the drivers take to the track in Monza for their practice session.
      It’s a warm day in Monza, with temperatures set to reach up to 28C.
      No rain is predicted for today’s practice and qualifying, or for the rest of the weekend.
      HOW IT WORKS
      As the action in Italy edges ever-closer to getting underway, here’s how the weekend’s racing will unfold.

      PIERRE PREVIEWS
      AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly is confident ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
      The Frenchman won the race last year, and believes he will be ‘competitive’ again this time around.
      He said: “We won last year, we were pretty competitive.
      “Yeah obviously I think the last few races have been extremely good for us and we’re confident we’re in a good position to perform again this weekend.
      “[It’s a] very different track, but yeah, I believe we will have a good performance.”
      WINNERS ON THE GRID
      Other than Lewis Hamilton, there are four other drivers on the current circuit that have won the Italian Grand Prix before.
      They are:

      Sebastian Vettel (2008, 2011, 2013)
      Fernando Alonso (2007, 2010)
      Charles Leclerc (2019)
      Pierre Gasly (2020)

      Hamilton himself won the race in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 AND 2018.
      COUNTDOWN TO ACTION
      There’s just over two hours to go now until Practice One gets underway in Monza.
      1.30pm is the scheduled start time, before qualifying begins at 5pm (UK time).
      CIRCUIT STATS
      The DRS Zones for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza are as follows:
      DRS 1

      Detection – 95metres before Turn 7
      Activation – 170metres after Turn 7

      DRS 2

      Detection – 20metres before Turn 11
      Activation – 115metres after Finish Line

      PAST WINNERS
      Lewis Hamilton has won five out of the last ten Italian GP’s.
      And a win at Monza this weekend would see him become the most successful driver in the history of the Italian GP.

      2020 – Pierre Gasly
      2019 – Charles Leclerc
      2018 – Lewis Hamilton
      2017 – Lewis Hamilton
      2016 – Nico Rosberg
      2015 – Lewis Hamilton
      2014 – Lewis Hamilton
      2013 – Sebastian Vettel
      2012 – Lewis Hamilton
      2011 – Sebastian Vettel

      WEEKEND TIMINGS
      And here’s what is to come from Monza for the rest of the weekend:

      Saturday: Qualifying 11pm-12pm (UK time)
      Sunday: Race – 2pm (UK time)

      TODAY’S TIMINGS
      Here’s what is to come from Monza today:

      Free Practice One: 1.30pm-2.30pm (UK time)
      Qualifying: 5pm-6pm (UK time)

      GOOD MORNING F1 FANS
      Attention in the world of Formula One turns back to the Grand Prix action after an action packed week of driver movements.
      And this week the racing comes from Monza, one of the most historic tracks on the circuit.
      It’s the most used circuit on the calendar, hosting the F1 Grand Prix 71 times.
      Only once has the Italian Grand Prix not been held at the famous Monza circuit, home of the Tifosi.
      After last week’s fiasco at the Belgian Grand Prix Max Verstappen comes into the weekend leading Lewis Hamilton in the driver standings by just three points.
      The Red Bull driver has 224.5 points to his name, while Hamilton has 221.5 points.
      But if Hamilton crosses the line first this weekend he will become the stand-alone most successful driver in the history of the Italian Grand Prix.
      He has won the race on five occasions before, tied with F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
      And a win this weekend in Monza would also be the 100th Grand Prix win of his career.
      That is some incentive…
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      George Russell takes swipe at ‘reckless and ruthless’ Red Bull as he prepares to link up with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL couldn’t resist taking a swipe at rival team Red Bull after his arrival at Mercedes a few days ago.The 23-year-old, who was confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s partner for the upcoming F1 season, thanked Mercedes for promoting him from their Williams academy after three years.
      Russell’s glad that he’ll get the chance to learn and develop alongside Hamilton at Mercedes who treat their drivers better than Red Bull doCredit: Reuters
      Russell believes he’ll have the opportunity to grow and develop at Mercedes.
      Russell claims Red Bull, who signed, dropped then re-signed his pal Alex Albon when he was with them, are a bit more ‘ruthless’.
      Speaking to ESPN, reported by GP Today, Russell said: “I think I’ve been really happy with how Mercedes has given me this opportunity to go out there and learn.
      “Obviously, the way Red Bull do things is pretty reckless and ruthless at times, and that’s why I’m so grateful that I have had this opportunity to go out there and learn, build and develop.”
      And Albon may get to experience the stability at Mercedes that Russell is on about after he replaced him at Williams.
      But despite Russell wanting time to develop and grow with Mercedes, he warned Hamilton that he’s gunning for his spot.

      BETTING SPECIAL GET RONALDO TO SCORE AGAINST NEWCASTLE ANYTIME AT 30/1 OR FIRST AT 50/1
      The Brit, who replaced Valtteri Bottas in Toto Wolff’s Mercedes team, says he has no intention of being Hamilton’s wingman like the Finnish star was.
      He said: “I’m definitely going in on level terms and that was made very clear to me.
      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      “Mercedes have always been respectful in that regard, giving both the drivers the best opportunity.
      “And obviously and naturally I believe in myself, and I have high aspirations. But equally I know how tough it’s going to be.
      “Mercedes have had clear experience of a poor dynamic within the team and they’ve made it absolutely clear that they don’t want a repeat.”
      George Russell in profile after Mercedes move More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Italian Grand Prix qualifying: UK start time, live stream and full schedule as Formula One heads to Monza

      by

      FORMULA ONE returns to the iconic Monza this weekend as Max Verstappen looks to build on his Holland victory.The Dutch star is embroiled in a tussle for the Driver’s Championship with Lewis Hamilton, who has won five times at this track.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Max Verstappen arrives in Italy on the back of victory in his home GPCredit: AP
      This year’s race will see the return of the sprint qualifying, which was first trialled earlier in the season at Silverstone.
      When is the Italian GP?

      First practice from Monza will be held on Friday, Saturday 10.
      It will get underway at 1.30pm.
      Qualifying will then follow at 5pm BST.
      Sprint qualifying will then take place on Saturday at 3.30pm, before the big race on Sunday at 2pm.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports F1.
      Coverage of a manic Friday schedule will begin at midday.
      If you want to stream and don’t have a Sky account, you can grab a NOW TV pass from £9.99.

      Full schedule
      Friday, September 10

      First practice – 1.30pm
      Qualifying – 5pm

      Saturday, September 11

      Second practice – 11am
      Sprint qualifying – 3.30pm

      Sunday, September 12

      Italian GP – 2pm More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      George Russell warns Lewis Hamilton he is NOT joining Mercedes to be his ‘wingman’ like Valtteri Bottas

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL has warned seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton he is not coming to Mercedes as his No 2.Next season Williams star Russell, 23, will replace Valtteri Bottas, 32, who was once referred to as a “wingman” for Hamilton by Merc boss Toto Wolff.
      George Russell says he is going to Mercedes to compete with Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty
      Valtteri Bottas has been referred to as Lewis Hamilton’s ‘wingman’ at MercedesCredit: EPA
      Merc tried to balance the team’s harmony between Hamilton and Bottas following 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg’s turbulent relationship with the Brit during their time as team-mates.
      Finnish star Bottas is on his way to Alfa Romeo and Russell says he has been assured he will get equal status at Merc when he goes up against Hamilton in 2022.
      He said: “I’m definitely going in on level terms and that was made very clear to me.
      “Mercedes have always been respectful in that regard, giving both the drivers the best opportunity.
      “And obviously and naturally I believe in myself, and I have high aspirations. But equally I know how tough it’s going to be.
      “Mercedes have had clear experience of a poor dynamic within the team and they’ve made it absolutely clear that they don’t want a repeat.”

      BETTING SPECIAL GET RONALDO TO SCORE AGAINST NEWCASTLE ANYTIME AT 30/1 OR FIRST AT 50/1
      Hamilton, 36, who had explosive battles with Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button when they were at McLaren, believes it is down to Wolff to manage the situation.
      He said: “History has shown it can work – and it can’t. It is different in each team and ultimately it is how it is managed.
      “You have two championships and individually you want to finish ahead and then also get the team ahead.
      “It is a difficult one to navigate through but we have experienced it and learnt from it and should be well set moving forwards.
      “Ever since I joined this team in 2013, I wanted equal opportunities.
      “Winning when someone’s wings are clipped, that is not something that interests me.”
      Lewis Hamilton says he is happy to compete on an even playing field with incoming Mercedes team-mate George RussellCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      Mercedes confirm George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 team-mate for 2022 season More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton has been dominant for ‘too long’ and F1 needed Max Verstappen title duel, says legend Jackie Stewart

      by

      JACKIE STEWART is excited by Max Verstappen’s duel with Lewis Hamilton for the F1 title, as the Brit has been dominant for ‘too long’.No driver could get near Hamilton, 36, in the last four seasons with the seven-time champion and Mercedes a step above the rest.
      Lewis Hamilton has dominated F1 in recent yearsCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen’s title push has invigorated F1, according to Jackie StewartCredit: Rex
      But the 2021 campaign has seen Verstappen and Red Bull launch an ambush on the world crown.
      The Dutch star leads Hamilton by three points following his victory in front of his home Zandvoort crowd.
      And 82-year-old Stewart, who won three titles during a prestigious career, believes Formula One has been yearning for a challenger to the throne.
      In an interview with Ziggo Sport, via Sports Mole, he said: “It’s always nice to see a young challenger who can attack the leader.
      “Lewis Hamilton has been the leader for too long. His team has been dominant for so long that we haven’t experienced this for a long time.
      “Max Verstappen has put the sport back on the map, because it’s so important that there is someone in F1 who provides the action and tension.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      “The Honda engine is now good enough for Verstappen can take the fight to them. He’s also hungrier than Hamilton.”
      The title rivals will do battle again this weekend at Monza.
      Despite his slender lead atop the championship, Verstappen heads to Italy having won the last six races where he has not crashed out or suffered damage.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Red Bull racing celebrate as Max Verstappen wins Dutch GP More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      Williams F1 team sign Red Bull’s Alex Albon for 2022 season to replace Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate George Russell

      by

      ALEX ALBON will race for the Williams F1 team next season after replacing Mercedes-bound George Russell.London-born Albon, who raced for Red Bull last year, will partner Nicholas Latifi, who remains at Williams.
      Alex Albon joins Williams after two podiums in 18 months at Red BullCredit: Reuters
      Albon has spent this year as Red Bull’s reserve and test driver and also won in German touring car series, DTM.
      The 25-year-old, who was replaced for this season by Sergio Perez, is delighted to be back in the Formula One grid.
      He said: “I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022.
      “When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid.
      “It’s also been great to see all the progress Williams have been making as a team this year and I look forward to helping them continue that journey in 2022.”
      Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, added: “It is fantastic to be able to confirm our driver line-up for 2022 and I am delighted to be welcoming Alex to the team.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “We are extremely excited by our new line-up, with both drivers bringing a great blend of youth and experience that will not only be a great fit for the team but also help us take the next step in our journey.”
      Williams were in need of a new driver after George Russell’s move to Mercedes was confirmed.
      Albon’s switch completes the chain of changes on next year’s grid with Valtteri Bottas leaving his Merc to replace the retiring Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      George Russell in profile after Mercedes move More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star George Russell’s amazing lifestyle, driving a £140,000 car, and enjoying Caribbean holidays with glam girlfriend

      by

      NEXT season, rising British F1 racer George Russell will be driving for Mercedes.The 23-year-old will team up with Lewis Hamilton, and could pose a serious threat for the World Championship.
      F1 ace George Russell already boasts a glam lifestyleCredit: Daimler AG
      Russell, pictured next to Lewis Hamilton in 2010, will be the current F1 champ’s team mate next season at Mercedes
      He will also be due a massive pay hike on his current £500,000-per-year deal with Williams, that’ll continue to fund his amazing lifestyle.
      Although he currently rents a flat in an affluent area of London, he has plans to move to Monaco.
      Away from the racing circuit, the Norfolk-born star drives a £140,000 car – fittingly a Mercedes AMG GT worth around £140,000.
      He also manages to enjoy luxurious breaks away to stunning destinations like St Barts and Santorini, and is joined by glam girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Russell already leads a playboy lifestyle, despite his tender years.
      KING’S LYNN TO A KING’S RANSOM
      Rising star Russell was born in King’s Lynn to father Steve and mother Alison.
      The youngest of three children, he has a sister, Cara and older brother, Benjy.
      He caught the racing bug when he started go karting at the age of seven alongside Benjy, who was involved in competitive karting.
      But by 18, he moved to Milton Keynes to be closer to British Formula 3 Championship racing team, Hitech.
      By the age of seven, Russell was kartingCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      George’s older brother spent his youth competing in karting
      Russell celebrates victory in Race 1 of the FIA GP3 championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2017Credit: Getty – Contributor
      In early 2017, he joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as a part of their junior driver programme.
      A year later, Williams announced that Russell had signed a multi-year deal to drive for their team.
      GLAM LIFE FOLLOWED
      As soon as he was thrust into the spotlight, Russell’s love life was placed under the microscope.
      He met stunning Seychelle de Vries, who was once linked to Max Verstappen, when he raced in Formula 2 in 2017.
      They reportedly dated for three years, before calling it quits.
      Most recently, Russell has been seen with stunning Carmen Montero Mundt.
      Back in February, the pair were spotted on holiday in St Barts together kissing on a sunlounger and frolicking in the sea.
      While in August, Russell was spotted enjoying a break in Santorini.
      Seychelle de Vries dated Russell for three years
      Carmen Montero Mundt is Russell’s current girlfriendCredit: Splash
      Back in February, Russell and Carmen were spotted on a dream holiday in St BartsCredit: Splash
      Russell and Carmen seen together before the Dutch Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      COMPANY CAR
      Call it fate, but Russell has always had a penchant for Mercedes.
      He currently drives a stunning Mercedes AMG GT that’s worth around £140,000.
      And in the past, he’s always favoured the car manufacturer as his ride.
      He’s been spotted with TWO AMG C 63 motors that cost in the region of £80,000.
      Russell proudly displays his cars on social media to over two million followers.
      About the AMG GT, that’s capable of reaching 0-60mph in just three seconds, he wrote on Instagram: “Love my little rocket!”
      Russell shows off his prized possession – a £140,000 Mercedes AMG GTCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell once said about his AMG GT, ‘Love my little rocket!’Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Through the years, Russell has also been spotted with two AMG C 63 Mercedes carsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      The AMG C 63 costs around £80,000Credit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HE’S A STUDENT OF THE SPORT
      One of Russell’s many heroes is the late, great Niki Lauda.
      In 2017, the up-and-comer got the opportunity to meet his hero in Baku after a race.
      Lauda even took the student to a Black Eyed Peas concert, after meeting him at a hotel.
      Russell became friends with the three-time F1 champ, and would often lean on him for advice.
      During lockdown last year, Russell shared a picture of himself reading Lauda’s autobiography.
      While he was stuck at home when the coronavirus pandemic was at its height, he made sure he continued to workout and stay in shape.
      He also fitted an F1 simulator to polish up on his driving skills in his bedroom.
      Niki Lauda was an influence on Russell in his early yearsCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Russell shared an image reading Lauda’s autobiography during lockdownCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Devoted Russell has his own F1 sim in his homeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      HEALTHY LIVING
      Crucial to Russell’s is his diet plan.
      Regularly, he shares snaps on social media of what he eats – and it’s never unhealthy.
      From poke bowls to fresh salads, the athlete makes sure he’s putting the right food in his body.
      Coupled with going to the gym, it’s what keeps Russell in peak condition and lean for a race car.
      Aside from driving, and working out seven days a week, Russell also likes to play squash and get out on his mountain bike.
      LOVES SPORT
      Playing and competing in sport just isn’t enough for Russell.
      When he has some downtime, he’s happy to sit in front of the TV and watch a live event.
      During the Euros, he shared an image online cheering on England. The football fan is a devoted Wolves supporter, like his dad.
      While last year, he encouraged his followers to comment who they felt would win the Indy 500, which he was tuned into.
      Fitness fanatic Russell plays a variety of sports including squash and loves riding on his mountain bikeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      A healthy salad is Russell’s go-to mealCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Football fan Russell cheered on England during the EurosCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63
      Joining Mercedes will earn Russell a huge payday so he can continue to enjoy the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @georgerussell63

      And in 2019, he was in the stands at Twickenham to cheer on England against France in the Six Nations.
      Next year, it will be Russell who will be hopeful of more fans cheering him in a Mercedes car.
      He might just give them something to shout about, should he dethrone Lewis Hamilton.
      Watch F1 star Sebastian Vettel run to get fire extinguisher after smoke rises from his Aston Martin on Belgian GP track More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Mercedes confirm George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 team-mate for 2022 season replacing Valtteri Bottas

      by

      GEORGE RUSSELL has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes for the 2022 season.After over four years as part of the Formula One team’s academy, the Brit will step up from Williams to replace Valtteri Bottas.
      George Russell will race for Mercedes after starring with WilliamsCredit: Rex
      The reigning world champions have been mulling over Russell’s promotion for over a year, amid Hamilton’s dominance of the Drivers’ Championship.
      But Bottas’ difficult first half of the season and Russell’s continued rise in one of the slowest cars on the track made the decision inevitable.
      The 23-year-old stated: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing.
      “It’s a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.
      “But I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge; it’s going to be a steep learning curve.
      “Valtteri has set a high bar, consistently delivering week in and week out, scoring wins, pole positions and helping win multiple championship titles.”

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL
      The length of Russell’s contract has not been confirmed with only the 2022 season named in Tuesday’s announcement.
      Hamilton, 36, is committed until the end of the 2023 campaign and his new team-mate cannot wait to continue learning from the seven-time champ.
      Russell added: “I’ve looked up to Lewis since I was in go-karts.
      “The opportunity to learn from someone who has become a role model both on and off track can only benefit me as a driver, a professional, and a human being.”
      Long known as a huge talent of the future, the King’s Lynn-born racer won the GP3 and Formula 2 titles in consecutive years to earn his step up to F1.
      A couple of point-less seasons with the underperforming Williams team saw him given the opportunity to replace Hamilton last year, when the veteran caught Covid-19 ahead of the Sakhir Grand Prix.
      Russell has been welcomed into Mercedes by Lewis HamiltonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The racer stood in for Hamilton at last year’s Sakhir Grand PrixCredit: Getty
      A series of team errors denied him a shock win but Russell snapped up his first points for Williams at last month’s Hungarian GP.
      The man dubbed ‘Mr Saturday’ then qualified second in the wet at Spa and the race-day downpour guaranteed a first podium finish.
      Hamilton welcomed his new colleague to the team, and wrote on social media: “I remember meeting [Russell] when he was young, dreaming of one day being a Formula 1 driver.
      “I’d only just reached my own dream of becoming an F1 driver, so I know what this day means and how it will feel for him.
      “He is a great example to all the kids out there that dreams do come true when you chase them wholeheartedly. Through hard work he has rightly earned his spot on our team.
      “I look forward to seeing him grow as a driver with this great team and working with him to raise Mercedes higher.”
      This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us.Toto WolffMercedes F1 boss
      Bottas, 32, had already been confirmed as an Alfa Romeo driver for next season, replacing the retiring Kimi Raikkonen.
      Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted that it had not been an easy decision to replace the Finn, who played a part in four Constructors’ wins.
      He said: “This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us.
      “Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth.

      🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
      “[Russell] has been a winner in every racing category – and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1.
      “Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.
      “I am confident that as their relationship grows, they will form a strong team and deliver for Mercedes on and off the track in the years to come.”

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Red Bull racing celebrate as Max Verstappen wins Dutch GP More