The Brit following in George Russell’s footsteps in the fast lane

Jamie Chadwick has watched Russell’s journey to becoming Lewis Hamilton’s next teammate closely and has a British battle of her own to contend with in the W Series

Jamie Chadwick is battling for the W Series title (Getty Images)

Jamie Chadwick, like the rest of the country, is thrilled about George Russell’s move to Mercedes — but she has more reason to celebrate than most.

Russell, whose promotion to join Lewis Hamilton at F1’s defending seven-time Constructors’ Champions was announced on Tuesday, first drove for Mercedes’ technical partners Williams at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2019. Two months later, future W Series champion Chadwick signed on as a development driver.

The dovetailing doesn’t stop there. Russell’s sister is the W Series’ former driver liaison, and both British drivers - Chadwick is from Bath, Russell from Norfolk - are just 23, looking at what seems like world of opportunity lying ahead.