05 February 2019 11:49
Formula 1 braces for three new British drivers in 2019. We have a look back on their careers so far
About the drivers:
George Russell
Newly crowned Formula 2 Champion George Russell is part of Mercedes Young Driver Program, after famously approaching Toto Wolff with a Powerpoint presentation on why he'll be a World Champion. In 2019, George will be driving for Williams F1. The 20-year old's journey to Formula 1 has been impressive:
2014 - BRDC F4 Champion, also got pole and won the race during a one-off guest drive in Formula Renault 2.0. George also became the youngest ever BRDC Autosport Award winner.
2015 - Runner-up to Charles Leclerc in the rookie class of the Formula 3 European Championship.
2016 - Runner-up overall in the Formula 3 European Championship.
2017 - GP3 Champion, and tested with the AMG Mercedes Formula 1 team for the first time.
2018 - Formula 2 Champion, and completed tests with Force India and Williams.
Lando Norris
At 19 years old, Lando is the youngest of the three drivers. Originally looking at a career on two wheels rather than four, his father took him to a karting meeting aged 7, switching his focus to Formula 1. Lando will be driving for McLaren in 2019, although he took the road less travelled through the British motorsport ranks:
2014 - Came third overall in the Ginetta Juniors Championship.
2015 - Won the first ever MSA Formula Championship in Britain.
2016 - Won three Championships, and the BRDC Autosport Young Driver Program.
2017 - Won the Formula 3 European Championship. Also finished in second place at the Formula 3 Masters in Macau. He also completed his first test for McLaren F1.
2018 - Runner up in the Formula 2 World Championship, whilst acting as McLaren F1's reserve and test driver.
Alexander Albon
Son of British racing driver Nigel Albon, Alexander was born into racing. His first years in motorsport however were a bit of a struggle, until he earned his way into GP3 and worked his way into Formula 1. Alexander will be driving for Toro Rosso this season.
2012 - Aged 15, finished 38th of 41 in Formula Renault 2.0.
2013-2014 - Remained in Formula Renault 2.0, improving in 2013 and finishing 3rd in 2014 (despite not having won a race all season).
2015 - Finished 7th overall in the Formula 3 European Championship.
2016 - Moved into GP3, finishing in second place to Charles Leclerc.
2017 - Entered Formula 2, finishing 10th in the Championship.
2018 - Finished 3rd in the Formula 2 World Championship. Signed to drive for Nissan in Formula E, until Toro Rosso bought him out of the contract, freeing him to drive in Formula 1 in 2019.