Russell joins Mercedes young driver programme

Formula One world champions Mercedes have recruited British teenager George Russell as the third member of their young driver programme, joining established F1 racers Pascal Wehrlein and Esteban Ocon. "George has shown impressive form in the junior categories and we've been keeping a close eye on him for a while now," said Mercedes F1 head Toto Wolff on Thursday. "We have already seen with Esteban how effective this series can be as a training ground.