Williams have "definitely turned a corner" in F1 2020 - Russell
George Russell believes Williams have “definitely turned a corner” in the 2020 Formula 1 season after its struggles last year.
Williams endured a dismal campaign as it slumped to its worst-ever finish in F1, anchored to the bottom of the constructors’ championship with just a single point to its name.
But there have been some signs of encouragement so far in 2020, after Russell impressed at both rounds at the Red Bull Ring and recorded Williams its first Q2 appearance since 2018 at the second race in Austria.
While the team is yet to open its account for the season, its early performance prompted deputy team principal Claire Williams to say the first two races had marked a “turning point” for the British squad.
“We’ve definitely turned a corner - there’s no doubt about it,” Russell told Crash.net in an exclusive interview.
“Statistically we are closer to the back of the pack, although outright performance in the race may not have shown it yet, hopefully they will and we are going to continue to improve.
"This is still not enough for us, we are pleased with our performance. But based off last year, we can only go forwards and upwards, that is our goal.
“That is the direction we are taking at the moment.”
Russell’s impressive performances, particularly in qualifying, have been slightly overshadowed by fellow Brit Lando Norris’ last-lap heroics as he secured a maiden podium and brilliant fifth-place finish in the opening rounds.
But the 22-year-old Briton, who convincingly beat Norris and Red Bull’s Alex Albon to the Formula 2 championship in 2018, insisted he is happy to see his peers enjoying success towards the front of the grid.
“I’m happy to see them performing well,” Russell added.
“Obviously I’d love to be at the front battling and getting podiums, but for me a P12 in qualifying last week is the equivalent of qualifying in the top three for the likes of Lando.
“A points-score for us this year would be absolutely massive. That’s what I’m aiming for. Just as a podium for Lando and McLaren was.”
