Williams 'deeply frustrated to finish with nothing' at Imola

Williams' head of vehicle performance Dave Robson lamented the fate that befell the team's drivers in the Emilia Romagna GP considering that points could have been on the table for the British outfit in Italy

After a satisfying qualifying session on Saturday in which both George Russell and Nicholas Latifi gained access to Q2, the team was looking to hold its own on race day and pounce on any opportunity that may come its way.

However, Williams was left with only Russell on track after the opening lap following a mistake by Latifi and then a contact between the Canadian and Haas' Nikita Mazepin that sealed the former's day at the office.

But Russell's charge in the tricky conditions had led the Briton into the top-ten and right on the heels of a struggling Valtteri Bottas. Unfortunately, Russell's attempt to overtake the Finn ended in tears for both drivers.

"We really thought we had a good chance to score some points," Robson admitted.

"The mixed conditions obviously at the start were not really ideal, but actually I think we took them in our stride, we made some good decisions.

"Then to finish with nothing is obviously deeply frustrating."

However, Robson preferred to focus on the team's overall performance in the hills of Imola rather than on Williams' desolate result.

"Both drivers have been really good right from the off," said Robson. "Nicky was very quick on Friday. Qualifying couldn’t look a lot better.

"Obviously, Tsunoda made a mistake, which was a gift for us, but otherwise all the places we got were achieved on merit.

"I suppose one of the positives is the car, the pace was good. At least George, the accident came as a result of us attacking, and of all the cars to attack, it was the MGP [Mercedes], which is not something we’ve been able to do for a long time."

• Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2021 Emilia Romagna GP

Regarding Latifi's opening lap off, Robson said there were mitigating circumstances to the Canadian's mistake.

"Conditions were definitely tough out there," said Robson. "It’s a bit strange to have quite a lot of standing water and difficult wet conditions in a few corners and other parts of the track actually quite dry.

"I think it was just a small misjudgement on his part caused him to spin and then he thought he was rejoining a clear track and the whole of the pack had gone past, had a bit of contact with a Haas and that was him in the wall, unfortunately. It’s just a real shame."

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