George Russell hailed Williams progress after only just missing out on Q2 during Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying.
After a season of being glued to the back row, the Briton finished just 0.053s slower than the cut-off point in 16th having initially moved upto ninth with his final effort.
Though a fracas involving Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo compromised their last runs, Russell believes the result, which saw him 1.3s faster than teammate Robert Kubica, proves the British team is moving in the right direction.
“It was unbelievable, I’m almost lost for words,” he told Sky Sports.
“Prior to this weekend, I don’t think we could ever have dreamed of qualifying off the back row on merit, but I feel like we’ve really turned a page this weekend, understanding the tyres and understanding the car, and the thing came alive then.”
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At Hockenheim, Williams tested an upgrade through Robert Kubica in practice which showed potential but wouldn’t continue through the rest of the weekend.
Russell though thinks the Grove-based outfit is now extracting that performance.
“There’s been so much work behind the scenes to make the aero and the correlation better, and it’s been a long process,” he said.
“There were a number of reasons why we weren’t quick there [in Germany], this was the first true test and regardless of the outcome tomorrow we can go into the summer very pleased.
“There’s much to come later in the year, so it’s refreshing to know that the work we’ve done has been worth it.”
In recent days, Williams have been stating their intention to keep Russell for three seasons despite his ties to Mercedes.
While admitting he would not pass an opportunity to switch to the German manufacturer, last year’s F1 champion insists he is happy in his current seat.
“Obviously there’s no driver in this paddock who would decline a Mercedes, just a fact, obviously being part of Mercedes is great from my side,” he said.
“I always know that is a possibility, but as of now I’m just fully focused on one job and that’s here at Williams.
“I know that’s all I have to focus on for my longer-term future with Williams, my longer-term future with Mercedes, take it race by race, almost lap by lap, session by session, and get the most out of it every time then my career will be in good hands.”