Russell hopes 'under the radar' season will pay future dividends

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George Russell hopes to put to good use in the future the lessons learned from a tough maiden season in F1 with Williams.

The Grove-based outfit's depressed level of performance this year has confined its drivers to the back of the field.

But Russell is making the best of his challenging debut season, insisting he wouldn't change his plight as it's allowed him to gain a wealth of knowledge at no cost.

Williams aiming at 2020 with latest test components

"I wasn’t 100 percent sure what to expect but I’m really happy with how the season has gone generally," Russell said on Thursday in Suzuka.

"From the good moments personally to the tougher times I wouldn’t change anything at all because especially from the tougher times I’ve learned a huge amount.

"Generally being in the position I have been, at the back of the grid, it’s given me an opportunity to just explore a bit more and go under the radar and hopefully that will help me out in years to come when we should be fighting."

While Williams overall position in the pecking hasn't changed since Melbourne, Russell insists the team's FW42 has evolved while the British squad has also built itself a good foundation for 2020.

"It’s definitely improved a lot, just in the driveability side of things," explained Russell.

"So, from within, it’s definitely a nicer car to drive. It is obviously, always difficult to make huge leaps forward for any team but I think the foundations we have in place now are really positive going into next year.

"We’re trialling a new front wing this weekend, which shouldn’t necessarily bring much performance to this year’s car but should hopefully unlock quite a lot for us moving into 2020, so I’ve got faith we should be fighting.

"Probably towards the lower end of the midfield but hopefully in the mix much more than we are at the moment."

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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.