2014 GP2 champion Jolyon Palmer will become a full time F1 driver next season after being awarded the second Lotus seat alongside Pastor Maldonado for the 2016 season.
When Palmer, who has already taken part in 10 official sessions as Lotus' third driver this year, takes to the grid next season, he will become the first GP2 champion since Romain Grosjean in 2011 to actually make it into Formula One. In addition, in a somewhat strange twist of destiny, it was the surprise decision of Grosjean to switch to the new Haas for 2016 which opened the door for Palmer at Lotus, however he had to fight off challenges from Kevin Magnussen, Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Ocon for the drive.
As the news of his promotion came to the fore, Palmer told press that he is "obviously delighted that [he'll] be racing in Formula 1 next year", whilst he also thanked the Lotus F1 team for the "tremendous opportunity this season."
Lotus Chairman and Team Principal, Gerard Lopez, meanwhile was quoted as saying, "we've seen Jolyon's hard work and talent this season in the way he's approached his third driver role has made him a really popular choice."
Do you think Palmer has what it takes to make it in the world of F1? Or is he destined to join the long list of F1 'one hit wonders'? Let us know below!
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