Russell confident new owner 'will push Williams forward'

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George Russell praised Williams' recent change of ownership, insisting the Grove-based outfit now has a great company behind it "to push it back to where it belongs".

Last week, the Williams family concluded a transaction with US private equity firm Dorliton Capital, ceding the British team for net proceeds of €112 million, but more importantly ensuring the future of F1's third most successful team behind Ferrari and McLaren.

"Obviously very positive news for Williams as a whole and everybody who works for the team and for both of us as drivers," said Russell, speaking in Spa ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

"It was a slightly nervy time previously, and I’m very pleased to see that the company and the team is stable moving forward and has got a great company behind to help push Williams back to where they belong, which is definitely higher up the grid."

Russell was pleased with Dorliton Capital's commitment to safeguard Williams' legacy moving forward.

"The Williams family have been a huge part of Formula 1," added the Briton.

"I think the most important thing with this change of ownership is the name and that side of things will be continuing, which I think is very important.

"Obviously the Williams family would not have sold to somebody who they didn't believe would be beneficial for the team moving forward…

"The culture will not be changing from a historic side and keeping the name of the team is very important as well for us drivers and the people back at base."

Russell: Too much drag still holding Williams back

Nicholas Latifi, whose father Michael financially helped Williams through a difficult period earlier this year, also expressed a positive view on his team's change of the guard.

"A very positive step for Williams," said the 25-year-old Canadian.

"The DNA of the team, obviously it's a family-run team and I'm sure that side of things will not change, which is part of what makes Williams, Williams.

"Since I've been with the team, I've really been enjoying that side of things, the team environment, and the culture that's been cultivated here over so many years. So I would hope that that would stay."

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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.