WILLIAMS have signed George Russell for the 2019 Formula 1 season.

The 20-year-old Briton, who is Mercedes’s test and reserve driver, will make his debut for the Grove-based team at next year’s Australian Grand Prix.

Russell, who is leading the Formula 2 Championship in his rookie season at the level, and is thrilled to be making the step up.

He said: “It is a huge honour to join a team of Williams’ prestige and heritage.

“Formula 1 has been a life-long dream.

“From watching the races when I was a child, it feels surreal that I will now be lining up on the grid, alongside drivers whom I have admired for years.

“I am incredibly excited to start working with everyone at Grove and to take my first steps as a Formula 1 race driver.

“I cannot wait for Melbourne next year and to join Williams at the start of what we all believe will be the start of an exciting new journey.”

Williams have endured a disappointing season and are last in the constructors’ championship with seven points.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams believes Russell can help the team make progress in 2019.

She said: “We have always tried to promote and develop young talent at Williams, and George fits that ethos perfectly.

“He is already highly regarded in the paddock and a driver whose career we have been watching for a while.

“ In the time we have spent with him so far, we believe that he will be a great fit for our team - his commitment, passion and dedication is exactly what we need to drive the positive momentum building at Grove as we focus on the future.

“We are extremely excited to welcome George and work with him moving forward.”