George Russell is much more optimistic about Williams’ outlook after a solid start to winter testing last week.
After missing the first two and a half days of running in 2019, the Briton was the first car on track when the light went green last Wednesday.
Williams then went on to complete 324 laps across the three days with Russell’s best time ahead of Haas, raising expectations that the Grove-based team will be back in the midfield this season.
“There’s no way we’ll be as far off the pace as we were last year,” Russell declared post-test.
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“Last year on average we were one second behind [and] you can say that all the other teams at least have found three tenths – so for us to be fighting we need to have found at least that amount.
“If we can achieve what we’re aiming for then I think it’ll be a great job, which is to be fighting with other teams.
“But we just need to see – next week will be a better understanding but realistically, Melbourne is the time everybody will know where they stand.”
Last year, Russell managed to make his mark in F1 by beating teammate Robert Kubica 21-0 in qualifying across the season, even it was the Pole who scored Williams’ only point at Hockenheim.
This season, however, the 22-year-old is expecting a much tougher fight against Nicholas Latifi, who steps up from reserve driver after finishing second in F2 in 2019.
“You’re only as good as your last race so it’s a fresh start,” said Russell.
“I think Nicholas is definitely very underrated, you know. He’s incredibly prepared. And he’s going to be a tough driver to beat, so he is going to keep me on my toes. I’ll be pushing.”
George also noted that while Latifi starts 2020 with zero Grand Prix’s to his name, he certainly isn’t short of F1 experience.
“He’s driven a Force India, he’s driven a Williams, he’s driven a Mercedes, he’s driven a Renault. He’s been testing for three or four years now in F1,” he said.
“On paper, he’s a rookie, but the reality is he’s not, and he’s definitely going to be tough to beat. I’m ready for the challenge and looking forward to that battle.”
The best times from testing do seem to suggest that, with the Canadian only two-tenths slower than Russell on the same tyre.