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George Russell made phone call to ensure seat in F1!

13:28, 12 Oct 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Newly-signed Williams driver George Russell has revealed that he started the ball rolling at Williams himself by calling up technical director Paddy Lowe for a meeting, which eventually led to him securing a seat at the team for 2019.

Williams announced today that the Brit, who currently leads the F2 championship and will likely be crowned champion, will be in one of the two seats for next season, likely replacing the Force India-bound Lance Stroll.

Russell is a Mercedes junior, meaning that he was always going to get promoted into a Mercedes-powered team like Williams or Force India. However, with the Pink Panthers (and the Mercedes works team) having two drivers for next season already, Williams was the only option left for him, which is why he took matters into his own hands so he could secure a seat.

Talking to Formula1.com, Russell describes how he rang up Lowe back in July and said: “Paddy, I want to be in F1 next year and I want to be in a Williams car – can we arrange a meeting with Claire [Williams, Deputy Team Principal] and yourself to discuss this further?”

So he went and met up with Lowe and Williams, eventually agreeing that he should do some sim work to test his pace.

“I spent a day on the simulator.

“They were assessing my feedback and speed and how I interacted with the team.

“They told me afterwards that it went extremely well.

"My track record in GP3 and F2 has been a major factor, too.”

As a Mercedes junior, he needed the German team to lead negotiations with Williams.

“It was left to Mercedes to negotiate terms,” he said.

“I had involvement. This is my career so they involved me a lot. It was a joint discussion.”

Finally, he had the contract in front of him, which he signed in Sochi.

“Signing the contract was surreal. The more time is passing, the more it is hitting me that this is really happening. F1 has been a lifelong dream for me. To get this opportunity with Williams is beyond words.”