F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen says Russell outperformance also due to car

Max Verstappen believes George Russell's talent isn't the only factor responsible for the Briton's remarkable performances this season, insisting that Williams is also fielding a very good car this year.

Two races after his sensational runner-up performance in qualifying at Spa, Russell delivered another showstopper last weekend in Sochi when he clocked in third at the end of Saturday's Q3.

On Sunday, Russell snatched another championship point, his fourth top-ten finish in five races. The result's validated once again, if necessary, Mercedes' decision to promote its protégé to a plum seat at its works team.

But Verstappen, while not denying Russell's skills, underlined what he believes is the quality of Williams FW43B.

"George for sure he’s a very, very good driver," the Dutchman said, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"But when you can do these kinds of things, it also shows that the car isn’t that bad as people think.

"He’s scored points and had good qualifyings, and for sure, in Spa, that car is not a Red Bull or a Mercedes, but they also ran more wing and more downforce.

"So naturally, everything just starts to become a bit closer.

"Nevertheless, he still did an amazing job, but I think people have to understand that that car isn’t as bad as people think it is."

Dave Robson, Williams' head of performance, agreed with Verstappen that the Grove-based outfit's car "is a factor" in Russell's over-achievements.

However, the Williams engineer also emphasized the good job his team is doing on the operational and strategy side of things on race weekends.

"I mean, yeah, the car is a factor," he said. "If it was really bad, then we wouldn’t be able to get those results. We haven’t added any wing to the car. So that is our best dry car put forwards.

"I think what we do a good job of is getting on the right bit of the track at the right time, generally, with a bit of an exception in George’s case being Q1 [in Russia].

"We do seem to be able to find some good grip from those intermediate tyres in those conditions. And in this case, the slicks as well at the end there.

"But I think that was all about just getting onto them early enough.

"The car has some strengths for sure, and certainly compared to last year’s car. It does have some strengths – it’s not terrible."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

7 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

8 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

9 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

11 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

12 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

13 hours ago