Williams points "still tough" despite George Russell form

Russell put in a sublime performance to qualify ninth for the Austrian Grand Prix — Photo: © LAT Images

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Williams points "still tough" despite Russell form

Russell has often challenged for points at recent races

Sam Hall

Thursday 29 July 2021 10:29

Williams head of vehicle performance Dave Robson has conceded it remains difficult for the team to contemplate scoring points this season in F1 despite George Russell's standout performances.

Russell has reached Q3 in qualifying at each of the last two races but has been unable to register on the scoreboard.

Across his two-and-a-half years with Williams Russell has yet to finish inside the top 10 with the team scoreless since the 2019 German Grand Prix where Robert Kubica scored a solitary point.

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Asked if the Briton's recent form makes it a case of when and not if Williams will break its points duck this season, Robson said: "I sincerely hope so. It's still tough on a Sunday.

"When all the other cars are so reliable, it's not easy so I think...we're definitely pushing on for that. We're hoping and trying but it's still difficult, to be honest."

Hungary has a "premium" on qualifying performance

Russell's qualifying exploits could prove vital at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend, with the Hungaroring track regularly referred to as 'Monaco without the walls'.

Robson added the return of three practice sessions should provide the team with an added boost in order to ensure set-up work is optimised ahead of the grand prix.

"The short twisty Hungaroring is a stark contrast to the fast-flowing Silverstone track, but it nonetheless offers an exciting challenge," explained Robson.

"Overtaking is very difficult, which places a premium on qualifying position.

"The weather in Budapest in late July is typically very hot and this makes tyre management difficult and therefore heavily dictates the set-up direction.

"Following the Sprint Qualifying format two weeks ago in Great Britain, we return to a standard event format this weekend, which gives us more opportunity to tune the car set-up to the tyre behaviour."