F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Russell had 'good fun' battling Kubica despite 'hairy' move

Williams' George Russell says he enjoyed a good inner-team battle with Robert Kubica in Sunday's French Grand Prix, the highlight of which was a bold move on the Pole on the outside of the ultra-fast Signes corner.

Kubica had the upper hand over the Brit in the early part of the race, but a first attempt by the combative Russell to pass his teammate on the outside at Signes results in the rookie running wide and hitting a market board.

Russell regrouped however and tried the same move again on lap 18, this time with a successful outcome and a thrill that he later described as "quite a hairy move but the highlight of my race".

"It was good fun," the 21-year-old said.

"I told the team at the start I felt that I was quicker than him but didn't expect anything to change, I wanted to do it fairly and properly on track.

"The first attempt I went wide and damaged the front wing, second attempt I made it stick."

Kubica conceded that he didn't want to force the issue with Russell when the pair went wheel-to-wheel.

"You know you don't want to take too much risk fighting with your teammate for 18th and 19th, or 19th and 20th," said the Polish driver.

©Williams

Unfortunately, Russell's early off-track excursion eventually warranted a second pit stop for the Brit and a new front wing, allowing Kubica to snatch back the P18 position.

"From my side, I felt no difference [with the damaged front wing] but the team was seeing some issues," Russell explained.

"I think maybe there was a small crack when I hit the polystyrene board.

"If we were fighting for points, we probably would have stayed out there and risk it. But there was no need."

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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.

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