George Russell hails "surreal" Williams form after Monza points haul

Russell, Williams, ItalianGP — Photo: © LAT Images

Italian Grand Prix

Russell hails "surreal" Williams form after Monza points haul

Russell finished in the points for the third time in four races

Ewan Gale

Tuesday 14 September 2021 11:44

George Russell has labelled Williams' incredible run of form as "surreal" after scoring more points in the Italian Grand Prix.

The British driver, who was confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate at Mercedes for 2022 ahead of the Monza weekend, finished ninth to score for the third time in four races.

Williams had seemingly struggled for pace in qualifying and although Russell hinted at a race-focused set-up, he slipped down the order in the sprint event following a poor start.

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Russell was able to capitalise on a timely safety car for Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's crash to take a free pit stop and jump into the top 10.

Asked about his scoring streak, Russell said it was "Crazy!"

"Three out of the last four races in the points is pretty incredible and I think that is what we keep on doing really well is capitalising from those mishaps.

"We finished ahead of two Alfas, Aston, Alpine, all on merit, all on track just because the guys on the pit wall did a really good job at the right time.

"If we keep on doing this, we are going to end the season well. Pretty surreal, three in the last four races."

Williams results "a relief off everybody's shoulders"

The result at Monza follows a double-points finish for the team in Hungary before Russell's maiden podium at the much-maligned Belgian Grand Prix.

Russell has worked tirelessly with the team over three seasons to rise from the back of the F1 grid and pointed to the significance of consistently strong results.

"[It's] just a relief off everybody's shoulders that we are scoring these points and we can go in, no pressure and keep maximising week in and week out," he added.

"That is what we are doing [and I'm] so proud to be part of the team"