Russell reckons he can challenge Haas and Alfa in Mexico

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George Russell believes he can give Haas and Alfa Romeo a run for their money in Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix based on the pace showed by Williams during its long runs on Friday.

Russell, who qualified P19 just a few tenths tenth behind Haas' Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean, struggled to match his mid-field rivals' single-lap performance at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

But race simulations in free practice put the Williams charger on a par with Haas and Alfa's drivers.

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That level of performance coupled with Mexico City's specific conditions left Russell confident that he hopefully won't be facing his usual lonely Sunday afternoon racing at the tail end of the field.

"Our long-run pace I think was actually better than Haas and Alfa on Friday?" said the young Brit.

"We have had to increase the cooling slightly so we probably won't be quite as fast as we were on Friday but it is only a small minor change.

"We've seen it at times where at Austria it was very hot they struggled more and we capitalised, not saying it will be hot, it is very similar with the air compared to the heat, there's a small chance."

©Williams

Despite his lowly position on the grid, Russell was satisfied overall with his qualifying session.

"It was really tricky out there for everybody, but I was pleased with the lap," he admitted.

"There was still a bit more in there, but we are definitely going in the right direction."

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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.