Russell sees promising changes to 2021 Williams F1 car

Williams Formula 1 driver George Russell has said the team’s 2021 car, the FW43B, has shown some promise versus last season’s contender but cautioned that the ultimate goal of scoring points may remain challenging.

The British team unveiled their 2021 challenger earlier today with a revised livery which nods back to the outfit’s 1990s colours, and while he didn’t get much of a chance to see the car’s potential during a damp filming day this week he said there was hope of improvement.

"First impressions of the new car were good. It was a wet, cold, rainy day in Silverstone. So it always makes it a little bit tricky, and obviously we were only there for a promotional day. But first impressions were good, no issues, the day ran smoothly," he said.

"So it was a good start. We definitely see some differences on the simulator versus 2020 which is looking promising. Obviously, the simulation is one thing, hopefully we can bring that into the real world."

The driver also said that it was probably a stretch for him to put a definite target of achieving a points finish or making into the last stage of qualifying this year, but that the team were hoping for more than last season when they finished at the back of the grid.

"My personal targets are just continuing to improve as a driver. I think putting a figure on it, saying I want to achieve a point or a Q3 I think it's unrealistic at this moment," he said.

"I just need to keep on improving and come away from the weekend thinking that I and the team around me have gotten the most out of our package. And that would that would be satisfying. But obviously, points, Q3 more Q2s, that's what we are aiming and hoping for.

"Whether we'll be able to achieve that is another thing."