New Williams F1 owners completing a "full review" of team - Russell
George Russell has revealed Williams F1’s new owners - Dorilton Capital - are conducting a "full review" of the team after completing the takeover last week.
Last Friday, Williams announced Dorilton Capital - a U.S. investment firm - had bought the company in a move that secures the team’s future in the sport long-term.
It will continue to race under the Williams name and there are no immediate plans to move from its base in Grove.
Reflecting on the takeover, Russell was delighted after what had been a "slightly nervy time" for everyone involved with the team.
"I spoke with Matthew Savage this morning, who's the chairman of the company," Russell said. "At the moment, they're in a full review of what changes need to be made, who will be forming the management side of the company.
"It's very positive news for Williams as a whole and everybody who works for the team and for both of us as drivers. Obviously a slightly nervy time previously, and I'm very pleased to see that the team is stable moving forward, and has got a great company behind to help put Williams back to where they belong, which is definitely higher up the grid.
"In terms of what they need to do to achieve that, at the end of the day we're drivers, we drive the car as fast as we can, and I leave that to the much more intelligent people than I to decide where to invest, and what changes they need to make back at Grove."
Despite the change of ownership, Russell said keeping Williams - Williams - was important given its rich history and success in the sport.
"The Williams family has been a huge part of F1. I think the most important thing with this change of ownership is the name and that side of things will be continuing, which is very important, obviously. The Williams family would not have sold to somebody who they didn't believe would be beneficial for the team moving forward.
"And I'm very pleased that they've come to that decision, because they believe that is the best for the future of a team. And like I said, the culture will not be changing from a historic side. Keeping the name of the team is very important as well for us drivers and the people back at base."
Team-mate Nicholas Latifi was also buoyed by the news.
"Overall, I think it's a very positive step for Williams," Latifi said. "I think it's secured the future and stability of the team, which is first and foremost the most important thing.
"In terms of what changes do I think need to be made, I think that's more for them to decide. I think in the coming days, weeks, months, they're going to be evaluating everything, like any company would when they're acquiring a new company, and see where the investment needs to be diverted to. I think overall, it can only be positive."
