<p>George Russell was Tuesday confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new team-mate at Mercedes for next season after Valtteri Bottas sealed a switch to Alfa Romeo.</p>.<p>The 23-year-old British driver earned his much-anticipated move to the Silver Arrows after three campaigns with Williams.</p>.<p>He also impressed in a one-off appearance for Mercedes at last year's Sakhir Grand Prix as a stand-in for seven-time world champion Hamilton after he tested positive for coronavirus.</p>.<p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/formula-1/gasly-and-tsunoda-confirmed-at-alphatauri-for-2022-1027959.html" target="_blank">Gasly and Tsunoda confirmed at AlphaTauri for 2022 </a></strong></p>.<p>Russell, who will form an all-British line-up with Hamilton, said it was a "special day".</p>.<p>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely buzzing," he said in a Mercedes statement. "It's a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.</p>.<p>"But I'm under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge. It's going to be a steep learning curve."</p>.<p>He added: "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."</p>.<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it had not been a straightforward decision, praising Bottas for his contribution to the team's success over the past five seasons.</p>.<p>"Looking forward to 2022, we are very happy to confirm that George will have the opportunity to take the next step in his career and join Mercedes," he added.</p>.<p>"He has been a winner in every racing category -- and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1.</p>.<p>"Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time."</p>.<p>Bottas, 32, has spent the past five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, having replaced Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 title.</p>.<p>The Finn has won nine races and claimed 17 pole positions with the team, but has not consistently been able to challenge Hamilton.</p>.<p>Alfa Romeo announced on Monday that Bottas had signed a multi-year deal to join the team from 2022.</p>
<p>George Russell was Tuesday confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new team-mate at Mercedes for next season after Valtteri Bottas sealed a switch to Alfa Romeo.</p>.<p>The 23-year-old British driver earned his much-anticipated move to the Silver Arrows after three campaigns with Williams.</p>.<p>He also impressed in a one-off appearance for Mercedes at last year's Sakhir Grand Prix as a stand-in for seven-time world champion Hamilton after he tested positive for coronavirus.</p>.<p><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/formula-1/gasly-and-tsunoda-confirmed-at-alphatauri-for-2022-1027959.html" target="_blank">Gasly and Tsunoda confirmed at AlphaTauri for 2022 </a></strong></p>.<p>Russell, who will form an all-British line-up with Hamilton, said it was a "special day".</p>.<p>"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely buzzing," he said in a Mercedes statement. "It's a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.</p>.<p>"But I'm under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge. It's going to be a steep learning curve."</p>.<p>He added: "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."</p>.<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it had not been a straightforward decision, praising Bottas for his contribution to the team's success over the past five seasons.</p>.<p>"Looking forward to 2022, we are very happy to confirm that George will have the opportunity to take the next step in his career and join Mercedes," he added.</p>.<p>"He has been a winner in every racing category -- and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1.</p>.<p>"Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time."</p>.<p>Bottas, 32, has spent the past five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, having replaced Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 title.</p>.<p>The Finn has won nine races and claimed 17 pole positions with the team, but has not consistently been able to challenge Hamilton.</p>.<p>Alfa Romeo announced on Monday that Bottas had signed a multi-year deal to join the team from 2022.</p>