Russell believes drastic changes might not help Williams

Williams' George Russell insists that the team must avoid any drastic changes that may be implemented in the hope of turning around the team after a dismal start to its 2019 Formula 1 campaign.

The rough start has saw chief technical officer Paddy Lowe leave the team prior to the start of the season, and the team themselves off the pace.

Russell has managed to finish ahead of teammate Robert Kubica in both of this year's races so far in 16th and 15th respectively, but both cars finished last in the running order on both occasions, only finishing ahead of those that retired during the races.

“The atmosphere is as positive as it can be really,” Russell said. “Obviously you are not going to be chilled out or relaxed when we are at the back of the grid by a long way but we do have to stay positive and not do anything drastic.

“Because at the end of the day this is the position we are in and we’ve now got to work on making the most of that. In any sport you can’t do that overnight."

Russell believes that even though it could take months to fix many of the problems the team is suffering at the moment, the motions have been set in place and that it will not hinder his motivation to race in Formula 1.

“It’s a step-by-step process to make sure that everything is in place to build onto. There is light at the end of the tunnel but it’s quite far away at the moment,” Russell added. "I am in F1 and this is what I have dreamt about for all of my life but now my job is to really maximise with the team what we have got and really direct them in the right way.

“My aspirations are to try and get the team further up the grid and make the most of sessions that are probably a bit trickier in maybe mixed conditions and prove what I can do behind the wheel."

I disagree that drastic changes wouldn't help. They are most certainly needed. Don't have to be rushed or done overnight, but things sure needs changing. Remember, this has been going on for years. The Merc' engine did a good job compensating for a while, but now a good PU ain't enough. Imagine t... [Read more]

  • 1
  • Apr 10 2019 - 17:18

Replies (8)

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  • Not to be horrible to him but this lad needs to learn to keep his tongue tied. He's the only person from Williams speaking to the media at present it seems, and has the least experience out of them all. Head down and get on with driving, everything else is someone elses worry...

    • + 0
    • Apr 9 2019 - 11:26
    • kngrthr

      Posts: 203

      you make a good point but i suspect it wont matter.
      I think they will be gone somewhere around mid season

      • + 0
      • Apr 9 2019 - 12:16
    • My thoughts exactly. Its time to focus on things he is experienced in.

      • + 0
      • Apr 10 2019 - 14:34
  • Major Tom

    Posts: 152

    Not sure. I think it might be wise to remind people he exists otherwise he will be gambling not Williams improving - not a good bet I would think.

    • + 0
    • Apr 10 2019 - 15:03
  • I disagree that drastic changes wouldn't help. They are most certainly needed. Don't have to be rushed or done overnight, but things sure needs changing. Remember, this has been going on for years. The Merc' engine did a good job compensating for a while, but now a good PU ain't enough. Imagine them with a Honda or Renault PU, they'd be dead last.

    • + 1
    • Apr 10 2019 - 17:18
    • Sparky1

      Posts: 15

      If you didn’t notice they have been dead last in qualifying and dead last of cars running at the end of the race.

      • + 0
      • Apr 10 2019 - 19:28
    • Well it's kinda hard to miss innit? Just saying they'd be inventing a new kind of last, even behind what they have now. :)

      • + 0
      • Apr 10 2019 - 22:09
    • Olfacius

      Posts: 31

      Hah - inventing a new kind of last...

      • + 0
      • Apr 18 2019 - 22:30

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