Williams see value in waiting game on 2022 drivers

Williams principal Jost Capito believes that the longer they wait to confirm their 2022 line-up, the more appealing the team will become.

Already Nicholas Latifi is likely to have a seat with the Grove outfiit for 2022, but it is the other one which is not yet spoken for at Williams.

George Russell currently occupies it, but is eyeing a drive with Mercedes as his three-year Williams deal ticks towards its conclusion.

If it was the Williams of 2019 when Russell arrived which was looking for a driver, then the takers would probably have been minimal, but this is now a team showing clear signs of recovery under new ownership.

And so, Capito is happy to play the waiting game, believing Williams will continue becoming an even more attractive prospect for drivers as the season goes on.

“On the driver side, we’ve got time at the moment,” he told reporters at the Austrian Grand Prix, responding to a question from RaceFans.net.

“So we will announce when we can announce the drivers, but we are not in a rush at the moment.

“I don’t think we want to wait until after the season but at the moment, we’ve got time, so we have no timeline on when we have to announce. It also depends quite a lot on what happens with George, so let’s see.

“We are seeing more and more interest of drivers to join Williams in the future.

“They see there is a proper financial backing and that the team is willing to move forward and attracts drivers as well. So I think the longer we wait, the better situation we will be in.”

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There is of course plenty of talk surrounding Russell and that possible opportunity at Mercedes, but Capito has previously stated his belief that the Briton would be happy to stay with Williams beyond 2021.

“I think at the moment, he likes being at Williams. He likes working with us. He sees where the team is going. He sees the changes we are doing, the approach we are taking. So he’s very supportive and positive about all of that,” said Capito.

“Of course, if he would get the chance to go in a Mercedes, he would be stupid not doing it.

“But if he doesn’t get the chance to get into the Mercedes, I think he would be quite happy to stay at Williams. This is all we can work for and hope for.”

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