Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Williams’ George Russell in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Williams’ George Russell in the FIA Press Conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
George Russell is one of the brightest young drivers on the grid today. Although he is yet to score a point with Williams, he has shown real pace and maturity in his third season in F1.
With new investors and a new CEO in Jost Capito, Williams look to restore their former glory in the coming years. Capito believes the team is more motivated, and is pleased to have Russell in his team. He also brought up the Briton’s incident in Imola to highlight how Russell should approach every race.
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Capito reveals what he said to George Russell before the race
Jost Capito believes George Russell is one of the best things going for the team. A part of the Mercedes junior driver program, the Briton has beaten two teammates since joining Williams in 2019. While he is still at the back of the pack, this stat portrays the sheer pace he has on race weekends, which often goes unnoticed.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN: George Russell of Great Britain and Williams looks on as drivers line up on the grid for a photo prior to day one of Formula 1 Winter Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Capito revealed what he told Russell before the race in Imola. The German said, “I said to George before the race, ‘Listen, we’re not here for a walk. If there is a gap somewhere and you think you can overtake, do so.’ If something happens, I will not blame you.” (Quotes translated from German by Google)
Capito lauds “excellent motivation in the team”
The 62-year-old also highlighted the level of motivation and energy within the team. He brought up Russell’s incident in Imola to show the effort that are being put in by the team to work on the car.
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Formula One F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 18, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ George Russell in action during the race REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
He said, “The motivation in the team was excellent. The team spirit is coming again. The employees want to work voluntarily, they make an extra effort. Such an accident, the rebuilding of the car, welds a team together. It wasn’t bad at all for the development of the team.”
With new technical regulations coming in next season, Williams will hope that their fortunes change in 2022. And with the silly season yet to start in the drivers market, George Russell will be in the middle of the storm. Can Williams keep hold of the young Briton? Or will Russell head to Mercedes next season?
