Huge shake-up at Team Arrow McLaren for the rest of the IndyCar season: Pourchaire in, Malukas out
Theo Pourchaire replaces David Malukas, who got injured and then fired before he could even sit in the car.
George Russell’s long-trailed move to Mercedes has been confirmed by the Formula One world champions and the 23-year-old Briton will partner compatriot Lewis Hamilton from the 2022 season.
Russell will leave the Williams team he has driven with for two years to replace Valtteri Bottas, who on Monday announced a long-term deal with Alfa Romeo from next year.
Though Russell has achieved only modest results in F1, he is considered a huge talent having impressed with a Williams car which is only just returning to competitiveness.
Russell took a stunning second at the aborted Belgian Grand Prix two weeks ago thanks to a sensational lap in qualifying and looked at home in a Mercedes late last season when deputising for Hamilton when he was out with a coronavirus infection.
Williams did not initially say who would take over Russell’s race seat. The team’s other driver, Nicholas Lafiti, is also out of contract at the end of the year.
The F1 season continues Sunday with the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Commenting on his blockbuster transfer, Russell said: “It’s a special day for me personally and professionally.
“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.
“I want to do my new teammates proud. Of course, one of those new teammates is in my opinion the greatest driver of all time.
“I’ve looked up to Lewis since I was in go-karts and 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.”
© AAP
Looking for great odds on racing and sport? Get into the action with PlayUp today. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Theo Pourchaire replaces David Malukas, who got injured and then fired before he could even sit in the car.
The third ever Miami Grand Prix is in the history books and finally Lando Norris has tasted the victory champagne. That is one of…
The Australian finished second but had to work for it, as he fought off food poisoning, a race day engine change, and his own overheating body.
Nico Hulkenberg's move to a German team will hopefully bring back some of the German flare Formula 1 had just seven years ago.
Given how exclusive and precious a commodity scoring an F1 point is, why is it that mediocrity should be rewarded?
Team Penske is under the same umbrella of ownership as the IndyCar Series itself, so it was imperative for to drop the hammer and protect their integrity—which, thankfully, they did.