London: British driver George Russell is to race for Williams next season after agreeing a multi-year deal with the British Formula One team.

Russell, 20, is the reserve driver for Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team this year and is on the brink of securing the Formula Two championship, the feeder series to F1, following an impressive debut campaign.

“It is a huge honour to join a team of Williams’ prestige and heritage,” he said.

“Formula One has been a lifelong 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.”