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Russell: Williams set for moment of truth at Spanish GP

Williams' George Russell believes the updates implemented on the team's FW42 in Spain will offer the beleaguered outfit a clear indication of its prospects for the remainder of the year.

Undermined by production delays, a late rollout and design issues, Williams' 2019 contender has forced Russell and team mate Robert Kubica to helplessly make up the rear since the start of the season.

Formula 1's return to Europe typically marks the beginning of the upgrade cycle for most teams, but Williams' updates will prove particularly important according to Russell.

'Character-building' years prepped Russell for Williams woes

"From the moment we put this car down in Barcelona [for pre-season testing] we knew we’d be having this car for the next four races or so," explained the Williams rookie.

"We’ve got a few little updates coming for Barcelona and I think that will give us a good indication of how the rest of the season will pan out.

"[There will be] a number of different things, varying from aerodynamics to brakes and so on.

"Like I said it’s not a full update but it will give us a clear direction of where we need to focus. And based on those results it will help us understand if we’ve got any hope for the remainder of the season or not."

While hope isn't a strategy, Russell has faith in his team's ability to pull itself out of its depressed slump.

"I have confidence that we are going to make progress," the young Brit told Autosport.

"The team is working extremely hard and we have some quite exciting things in the pipeline.

"How close that will bring us to the rest of the pack I don’t know but these [difficult] weekends are making us stronger.

"I do believe at some point we’ll be able to turn it around."

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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.