Williams admits putting faith in young drivers like George Russell turned out as “one of the best decisions” in years.
The Mercedes junior earned his chance in Formula 1 in 2019 after winning the F2 title the year prior and would lead the British team in his first season, outqualifying teammate Robert Kubica 21-0.
Typically, a team like Williams, that has sat at the back of the grid for the past two seasons, would look to experience in an effort to improve but, in the case of Russell, there was no such problem.
“We know that George has talent and it hasn’t been in any way a detriment to us putting George in as a rookie this year,” deputy team boss Claire Williams said via Crash.net.
“In fact, it’s been probably one of the best decisions that we’ve made over a handful of years!”
Also Read:
- Williams tout Russell potential as he hopes to join midfield fight in 2020
- Latifi keen to ‘maximise’ first year at Williams regardless of grid position
- Williams now believing in future potential despite ‘brutal’ 2019
With Kubica leaving at the end of last season, Williams replaced him with another rookie for 2020 in Nicholas Latifi, but the experience with Russell means the Grove-based squad has no concerns.
“I don’t think it is a distraction in any way that we have two younger drivers in the car, because we know what they’re both capable of,” Claire continued.
“When you are a team that isn’t necessarily doing so well, you have to consider the personalities of the drivers a whole lot more than maybe you would otherwise.
“George and Nicholas have the type of personalities that we’re looking for, that truly understand the importance of playing their role in the development of the team and motivating the team and inspiring the team.
“I think we’re very lucky that we’ve got two drivers that can do that. It’s always the case that with a rookie, which Nicholas will be next year, it’s going to take him a couple of races to get his head around things.
“But we know that he’s a quick study and that he’s going to be there pretty quickly.”