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Williams Ready to Take a Massive Stand Against Their Controversial Driver Policy

Published 08/06/2021, 10:27 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Williams F1 had been severe financial struggles for the past few years, which were significant enough to threaten their existence in the sport. For extra funds, they have had to rely on drivers with good financial backing; the notable examples of which include the current Williams driver Nicholas Latifi, Lance Stroll, and Pastor Maldonado.

During the 2020 campaign, Williams struggled for finance after title sponsor Rokit backed out. Ultimately, the Williams family, who had owned the team since its inception, had to pass on the ownership to an American private equity firm, Dorilton Capital.

With increased investment from Dorilton, the Wantage-based team are relatively in a much better financial situation. Meanwhile, the team principal, Jost Capito, reveals that they need not rely on pay drivers anymore and can decide which drivers they want in their drivers’ lineup for next season.

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What did Jost Capito say?

“I think we at Williams, we are in the position that we solely decide on the drivers. We are not dependent like in the past on somebody, a driver who brings money,” said Jost Capito.

via Reuters

“We have a long-term plan to get back to the top, and we have to choose the drivers that fit into that plan. We are just thinking about this. Of course, everybody can talk to us, but the decision is with us.”

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The first points in two years for Williams feels like a victory to us: Capito

After going two full years without scoring any points, Williams finally opened their account at the Hungarian GP last weekend.

With George Russell, the Wantage-based team came agonizingly close on several occasions this season to secure their first point but they failed to get over the line.

And finally, at the Hungaroring, Williams secured ten points with both the drivers finishing in the top 10. And as was evident from a speechless Russell’s teary eyes in the media pen, securing those points was no less than a victory for the team.

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“It means a lot for the team to get the first points, especially after scoring zero points last year, being so close this year to getting one point,” said Jost Capito.

via Reuters

“We got six points and in the end, it looks like being 10 points–and this is a fantastic result and one we were waiting for. We always said the points will come. And when they finally came, for us, it was like a victory.”

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REPORTS: Nico Hulkenberg Favorite For Willams if Valtteri Bottas Doesn’t Pan Out

Can Williams continue to display solid performances after the summer breaks? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Pingaksh Sharma

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Pingaksh Sharma is an F1 author at EssentiallySports. He has been following this sport since India hosted the Grand Prix in 2012 and has been an ardent supporter of the eventual race winner, Sebastian Vettel. He is also a fan of Max Verstappen and Red Bull and hopes the former breaks the Lewis Hamilton dominance.
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