Russell: No ‘sudden changes’ under new owners

Jamie Woodhouse
George Russell Williams

Jost Capito, Williams’ incoming CEO, has admitted “miracles are not to be expected” as the team aim to improve their fortunes in 2021.

George Russell feels Williams’ new owners are going about things the right way by making no early “sudden changes”.

The Williams family relinquished their duties of running the team to new owners Dorilton Capital following the Italian Grand Prix, and other than Simon Roberts’ arriving as acting team principal, there have been few notable changes to the team.

But Russell thinks that is a credit to Dorilton and believes they have taken the right approach by making no “sudden changes” as they ease their way into Formula 1.

“We are in contact weekly, and it is early days,” Russell said when asked by MotorsportWeek.com about the changes.

“These things take a lot of time, thought to put the right plans in place for a long-term future.

“It is good to have not seen any quick or sudden changes because these things do not happen overnight.

“I know that they’re working very hard to see where the future of Williams needs to be, and I’m sure we’ll see more happening in the coming months and into the early phases of 2021.”

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Russell’s team-mate Nicholas Latifi also likes the fact that it’s “business as usual” within the team despite the change of ownership.

“They have been to a race and I’ve seen some of them walking around the factory when I’ve been there for the simulator,” he explained.

“From my side on a day-to-day basis not much has changed, and the day-to-day working for a lot of the employees at the factory is carrying on business as usual.

“Right now it is very early stages with the new ownership seeing where they want to invest in the team, and where they can help bring us forward.

“So it is still very early to say this is where differences are being made right now. It is still in the very early stages.”

Both Russell and Latifi will continue with the team for 2021 as they look to do their part in bringing the team back up the pecking order.

While Williams have looked more competitive this season compared to 2019, they remain without a World Championship point.

Russell and Latifi both have a P11 finish to their name with Russell’s coming at the Tuscan Grand Prix, while Latifi has actually finished P11 twice, first at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix and then at Monza.

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George Russell Williams

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