George Russell signs for Mercedes: British driver to join Lewis Hamilton for 2022 Formula 1 season

George Russell confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's 2022 team-mate as he joins Mercedes on long-term contract; Russell, 23, has been a Mercedes junior driver since 2017 and finally gets his chance after three seasons in F1 with Williams

George Russell will join Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton's next team-mate, with the world champions confirming their all-British 2022 driver line-up.

Earning his chance with the team who first signed him as a junior driver before supporting his three brilliant seasons in F1 with Williams, Russell, 23, will be Hamilton's sixth - and youngest - team-mate in the sport.

Mercedes say Russell has signed a "long-term contract" with the team.

He replaces Valtteri Bottas, who is moving to Alfa Romeo after five seasons with Mercedes.

"It's a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands," said Russell, who also paid tribute to Williams. "But I'm under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge; it's going to be a steep learning curve."