George Russell 'going for it' now pressure off his shoulders

George Russell

Russell 'going for it' now pressure off his shoulders

Williams driver has discovered a new driving freedom

Ian Parkes

Thursday 28 October 2021 13:51

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George Russell has revealed to discovering a new-found freedom with his driving that is allowing him to attack more as he feels a weight has been lifted off his shoulders on two fronts.

Russell delivered a superb first-lap performance on the opener of Sunday's United States Grand Prix, rising from last on the grid after an engine penalty to 14th, which proved to be his finishing position.

With starts previously proving to be an Achilles heel, Russell claims he is now more confident given Williams' position in the constructors' championship and with his future also resolved as he prepares for next season's switch to Mercedes.

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"The pressure has been lifted off my shoulders for a while now for these first laps," said Russell. "I’m more confident to really attack and go for it. P20 to P14 was a strong start for me.

“In this position where we are in the championship now, we’ve got this small buffer that’s allowing me to go out there and really push the limits and I’m quite enjoying it to be honest.

“I’m not a driver who usually makes a huge amount of mistakes but I want to push myself and that is why we saw an off in FP3 [for the USGP], and we saw a little off in qualifying in Zandvoort [Dutch GP].

"I’m just trying to really push the limit, just to see if there is more in there in these last few races.

“But I think I’ve reaffirmed my global strategy that you don’t need to be driving at 110 per cent to get the most out of a car and sometimes, you only go slower.”

Williams finds itself in a strong eighth position in the constructors' standings this year as it has a 16-point buffer to Alfa Romeo with five races remaining.

Given there is "less pressure", Russell added: "The fact that we are in a position of relative comfort in the constructors’ championship and also on a personal level, with everything confirmed for next year, I’m in a very stable position personally.

"I’m just able to go out there and try new things and don’t be afraid to make some mistakes, which is a satisfying position to be in.

“It’s a similar position to the one I found myself in 2019 when I could go out there and try new things, keep trying to build that toolbox to improve."