Russell: Head's involvement is what Williams needs

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Williams rookie George Russell believes that Patrick Head's presence within the team is what the beleaguered outfit needs to help it deal with its struggles.

The Grove-based squad announced in Bahrain that its legendary co-founder and former technical director has returned to F1's trenches as a consultant, tasked with the mission of helping Williams' engineering department deal with the troubles impacting the team's FW42.

Williams' 2019 contender suffered from production issues that delayed its start to pre-season testing. But it was later revealed that the car was also impaired by a fundamental flaw, leaving Russell and team mate Robert Kubica to make up the rear so far this season.

Kubica baffled by 'completely different' car compared to Russell

"I think it will be great," said Russell of Head's collaboration.

"He's only coming in as a support role, it's nothing full time, but with his presence he's a very strong character with a lot of personality and maybe what we need a the moment.

"With all his experience and history he has at Williams, just having him around will lift everybody.

"Patrick is a fantastic engineer and all of his success speaks for itself. He's not looking for anything full time, he's been there and done that.

"He's part of Williams and will help where needed. Like I said, it will be great to have him around."

Kubica, who has been dealing with struggles of his own since Melbourne, with a car that suffers from an apparent aero deficiency compared to his team mate's mount, also believes that Williams can only benefit from Head's expertise and experience.

"Patrick has a lot of experience and everyone at Williams respects him a lot," said the Pole.

"He's done an enormous job in the past for this team so it's good that he will be able to help us, I'm not sure in what way exactly."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.