I've wondered that myself. Still trying to get my head wrapped around him. I used to rate him behind Newey. Could be a number of factors really: 1) money - he's stuck from making further developments through the GP's from Claire. That's probably the main one. 2) Little to no driver feedback on the car. But even IF a driver gave him feedback, what can he do really when he's more than likely capped by Claire. that's my 2 cents.
Russell not worried about Williams form OCTOBER 30, 2018 George Russell says he is "not worried" he is joining the slowest F1 team on the grid. The Mercedes-backed, 20-year-old Briton looks set to be the Formula 2 champion this year, but in 2019 he will make his debut for Williams. The once-great British team has slumped badly this year, and is easily dead last in the constructors' standings. But Russell told the Finnish broadcaster C More: "I'm not worried. "Formula one changes so fast. Last year Williams was fifth in the constructors' world championship and two years before that were third. "Next year is a massive opportunity and everyone is so motivated and hungry to improve," he added. Currently, the identity of Russell's 2019 teammate is unknown, but the main contenders are believed to be Sergey Sirotkin and Esteban Gutierrez, with Esteban Ocon and Robert Kubica now considered only outside chances. "I would be happy with anyone," Russell said, "but it would be good if they are a really good driver to measure myself again. "It's then important to build a good relationship with my teammate so that we can push the team forwards."
De Vries plays down Williams rumours NOVEMBER 2, 2018 Nyck de Vries has played down reports he might complete Williams' 2019 driver lineup. The beleaguered British team is looking for a well-funded driver to be George Russell's teammate. Robert Kubica and Esteban Ocon have been linked with the seat, but thought to be better funded are Esteban Gutierrez and 23-year-old Dutch F2 driver de Vries. De Vries, also a sports car driver and part of McLaren's driver development programme, was reported to have secured the backing of the Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo. "There have been rumours in the media about myself and Jumbo in relation to Williams," he said. "To clarify things, Jumbo is not and will not invest any money in my career. "Of course we are collectively looking at career opportunities, however this is certainly not our philosophy and strategy," de Vries added. "I hope to announce my future plans soon."
https://fr.motorsport.com/f1/news/rob-smedley-depart-williams/3208743/ Rob Smedley va quitter l'écurie Williams à l'issue de la saison 2018. Rob Smedley will be leaving team Williams at the end of the 2018 season.
Smedley always gave me the impression of being pretty useless and he’s at Williams just because Massa pushed for him. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the biggest culprit for that dog of a car.
Not much in the way of how they will drag themselves out of the mess. ''we had some aero problems and cooling '' ohh really is that all? she really should just stand down and get someone in there who can kick some a$$.
There was a time when the Williams had the best car to be in! But many fall out: Lotus,BRM,Brabham, McClaren, etc. Ferrari has been the longest to still be competitive!
I was attending a trade event on Tuesday and bumped into Patrick Head, he was meeting a big former Williams sponsor when Williams were in their pomp. How times have changed ! As a proper British team it's a shame they cannot take the fight to Mercedes.
HOLD ON Kravitz says he spoke to Williams and the team are denying Motorsport dot com's story (just posted)
French TV Canal+ , now broadcasting the qualif, says Kubica is confirmed at Williams (...for what it's worth)
Poor chap, not sure what’s worse, iffy hand from an accident or having to drive for Williams...... he has no luck does he, poor old dracula
[AMuS] We have been told Kubica will likely sign 2019 Williams contract this week. Only minor details still to be sorted out. Ocon to get new job as reserve, test & simulator driver for both Mercedes & Force India (and maybe Williams).
And if Kubica doesn't do well...they can bring in Ocon to take over. And Williams will become one of the big stories between the end of this season and the beginning of next. And Kubica will get a chance to really test himself. I think he is honest enough to step aside if he feels someone else would do better.
No, you are right. The value of his company has gone downhill since Frank Williams refused the BMW offer. The team is now last in the WCC., so next year budget will be even tighter
I know your probably joking but having any ride in F1 is better than sitting on the sidelines. Not to mention the pay raise he will get.
I want to think he will be as good as he was before, but the first race weekend will be very very telling. It’s one thing to drive a race distance, quite another to race for a full distance!
