GP3 champion George Russell will make his F1 practice debut in a Force India at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Russell will drive Sergio Perez’s car during the Friday practice session at Interlagos. He will also drive for the team at Yas Marina, taking over Esteban Ocon’s car for the first practice session.
“I’ve never driven the VJM10 before or driven at Interlagos, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” said Russell.
“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 19-year-old has already tested for Mercedes and is part of the world champions’ young driver programme.
Force India co owner Vijay Mallya described him as “an up-and-coming talent”.
“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.”
Russell won the GP3 title at Jerez last month by pulling clear of ART team mate Jack Aitken in the championship standings. Russell has taken four wins this year, all of which have come in feature races. He also won the BRDC F4 championship in 2014 and placed third in European Formula Three last year behind Lance Stroll and Maximilian Gunther.
Force India has already run Alfonso Celis three times in practice sessions this year. The team also tested Lucas Auer and Nikita Mazepin at the Hungaroring.
Christopher Rehn (@chrischrill)
7th November 2017, 16:03
Final nail in the coffin for Wehrlein then. He is now old news, Ocon is thriving in Force India and the next generation is now being prepared for F1. I expect to see Russell race in Formula 1 in 2019 if his 2018 campaign is as strong as his 2017 season was.
Ivan Donson (@ivanfbi)
7th November 2017, 16:11
Force Infia weren’t really interested in Wehrlein when Hulk left the team, and chose Ocon instead (best decision) probably not interested now either.
George (@george)
7th November 2017, 17:21
@ivanfbi
Think he means in terms of Mercedes juniors.
NewVerstappenFan (@jureo)
8th November 2017, 8:25
I think yes.. There are many way more promissing drivers. Also shows. Sauber is a dead end.
wsrgo (@wsrgo)
7th November 2017, 17:40
That’s more like it. Honestly relieved it’s not Mazepin or Celis Jr.
RawPace
7th November 2017, 18:51
No doubt that seat is sold for a price, be it cash or further discount on engine/gearbox from Mercs.
But they might be happy that it is him than others.
Ashwin (@redbullf1)
7th November 2017, 19:53
Me too , honestly watching Mazepin and Celis drive scares me !
toiago (@toiago)
7th November 2017, 18:02
Although he is certainly talented, Force India are surely looking out for themselves, maintaing the possibility of having a discount for the Mercedes engines should Ocon move up the grid in 2019.
BasCB (@bascb)
9th November 2017, 11:47
for FI this is a chance to up the budget @toiago, by having someone (in this case Mercedes) foot the bill for F1 running
RawPace
7th November 2017, 18:51
No doubt that seat is sold for a price, be it cash or further discount on engine/gearbox from Mercs.
But they might be happy that it is him than others.
Todfod (@todfod)
8th November 2017, 8:27
I think we’re finally seeing the new grid which will emerge post the Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton era. We’ve now got Verstappen, Ocon, Vandoorne, Russell, Sainz and Norris… Plus a few handy veterans in Ricciardo, Perez and Hulkenberg.
Markp
9th November 2017, 20:26
Leclerc?