Williams buoyant - but not bullish - by future race potential

Williams

Williams buoyant - but not bullish - by future race potential

Russell and Latifi can look forward to tracks to suit FW43B

Ian Parkes

Monday 26 April 2021 16:00

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Williams believes it has every reason to feel confident over the potential of its F1 car for the remainder of the season after ironing out some of its behavioral issues.

During pre-season testing and across the opening race weekend in Bahrain, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi struggled with the wind-sensitive FW43B.

While conditions were a lot calmer for the last race at Imola, there were enough signs the car had improved enough to least offer hope there will be similar performances to come after Russell and Latifi qualified 12th and 14th respectively.

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Asked whether he felt bullish following the Imola weekend, which unfortunately ended with crashes for both drivers, head of vehicle performance Dave Robson said: "I don't think bullish.

"I think happy that the car performed well, the drivers performed well, we made some good decisions in difficult circumstances, so I think all of those aspects that contribute to a decent racing team were all good, so that's really good.

"I think there will be circuits ahead where the car behaves more like it did in Bahrain and some more like Imola.

"So I wouldn't say I was bullish for every upcoming race but definitely pleased to see it behave better at Imola and know that we have got some opportunities coming.

"I don't think we relied on a great deal of luck that weekend, I think we were there on merit so the circuit maybe suits us pretty well, but I think there will be others as well.

"Happy and confident going into the future but maybe bullish is a bit strong."

Latifi's personal performance was also a cause for optimism for Robson as the 25-year-old reached Q2 for only the second time in 19 races with Williams.

Although Latifi's race was short as it ended on lap one following a collision with Haas driver Nikita Mazepin, Robson added: "He was quick out of the box in October as well when we came, so for whatever reason, he is comfortable in Imola.

"But for sure, having that confidence in the car helps, and Nicki needs that kind of momentum through the weekend.

"Even when he had the little blip in FP3, we got him back out and he was back on it. It didn't perturb him at all in terms of his faith in the car or what is going on in his mind.

"He has tremendous mental strength and a great approach, and I am sure having confidence in the car and having a bit more pace and not just fighting right at the very back definitely contributes."