Improved performance a "big morale booster" for Williams - Russell

George Russell believes improved qualifying performances have proven a "big morale booster" for the once-struggling Williams Formula 1 team.

Following Saturday's qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Russell has now claimed 12th on the grid in consecutive races.

With team-mate Nicholas Latifi lining up 15th at the Hungaroring, it means Williams managed to get two cars into Q2 for the first time since the 2018 Italian Grand Prix, a result Russell described as "massive".

The British driver added: "This is a track we know on paper does suit our car the best out of all of them, so I don't think we need to get carried away with two really great qualifying performances.

"They were great for different reasons in the last two weeks but nevertheless a big morale booster."

Crucially for Williams, whereas the high grid position in last weekend's race at the Red Bull Ring was aided by the extreme weather conditions, the result in Hungary was secured on outright pace.

The key for all at Williams now is proving they can also excel over a race distance and not just one lap.

"The last two weekends we haven't been able to transform our quali pace into our race pace," said Russell.

"The last two races we have been by far the slowest in the race and with the cars I have got behind me it is going to be a tough race."

It has left Russell hoping the heavens open over the Hungaroring, adding: "I am just praying for rain because I think we can be fast if it does pour down."

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