George Russell hopes Formula 1’s new regulations in 2022 put the emphasis on driver, instead of car performance.
Despite arriving on the grid after winning the F3 and F2 titles in consecutive seasons, the Williams driver has been handicapped in showing his ability in F1 with a car stuck predominantly at the back of the grid.
As a result, Russell, who many are still tipping to be a future F1 champion, has been unable to race against the likes of Alex Albon and Lando Norris, who he beat in F2, as well as the sport’s two hottest youngsters Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
“Obviously as a driver, you want to prove what you can do an on even and fair ground,” he said via RaceFans in Bahrain on Thursday.
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“In any sport – if you are racing in the Tour de France and one guy has got a superior bike or a bike that has got an electric motor or something like that, you might be the best cyclist in the world but you won’t be able to compete with them.
“There’s definitely an element of frustration but ultimately I think that is part of what Formula 1 is. There’s always been fast cars, there’s always been slower cars.”
However, while Russell played down expectations for next year, he does see the future direction of F1 putting a greater emphasis on the driver to make the difference.
“Unfortunately I think 2021 will be more of the same, but I hope, and I think everybody hopes, come 2022 with the new financial regulations, the new technical regulations, it’ll bring the whole field closer together,” he added.
“Hopefully it puts the driver literally in the driving seat to be able to make or break the weekend and I think everybody’s looking forward to that.”
As for Williams’ potential, Russell does see the potential for improvement next year thanks to the financial stability under new owners Dorilton Capital.
“We’ve not lost sight of 2020 yet and we haven’t lost sight of 2021 either,” he confirmed.
“We’re continuing to bring test items to the car to try to improve it this year and into next year.
“I think now with the new owners it’s really exciting with more finance behind us to be able to focus into the future for 2022 and beyond but also keep a good eye on 2021 to continue to progress the car.
“That’s exciting for us and hopefully we can make make a step to cement our place ahead of Haas and Alfa Romeo and try and catch onto the back of the midfield.”