2017 GP3 champion George Russell is to drive for Force India in Practice 1 on the final two Friday’s of the Formula 1 season, starting this weekend in Brazil it has been announced.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful year, first holding off ART Grand Prix teammate Jack Aitken to claim the GP3 crown with two races to go last month in Jerez.
Before that, he would complete his first running behind the wheel of an F1 car back in August, driving for Mercedes, where he is part of their junior program, at the post-Grand Prix test in Hungary and will run again for Force India at the final race in Abu Dhabi.
“I’m extremely excited to be driving in free practice for Sahara Force India in Brazil and Abu Dhabi,” he commented. “2017 has already been a year full of great opportunities and to top off the season with these two outings feels fantastic.
“I’ve never driven the VJM10 before or driven at Interlagos, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Sahara Force India for this opportunity and also thank Mercedes for their continued support.”
The Silverstone outfit has history of being the place where the four-time consecutive world champion’s like to trial their youngsters. Pascal Wehrlein and their current race driver Esteban Ocon both had the chance to test with team owner and boss Vijay Mallya pleased to add another name to that list.
“We are happy to give George this opportunity. He’s an up-and-coming talent and we’ve followed his success in GP3 closely,” he said.
“George has already been in our simulator several times and has worked well with the team. Now that we have secured fourth place in the championship, it’s the ideal time to look to the future and handing George his free practice debut will allow us to evaluate his potential.”
