2019 Review – George Russell: A Difficult but Successful Season
The end of the year is approaching, and it's time to analyze the drivers' performances in 2019. Motors Inside offers you a look back at George Russell's season, who made brilliant debuts in Formula 1 under rather difficult conditions.
Among the three rookie drivers this 2019 season, George Russell was undoubtedly the most discreet. And for good reason, behind the wheel of a Williams lacking in performance, the young Briton had little opportunity to appear at the front of the grid.
However, the 2018 Formula 2 champion fulfilled his contract brilliantly by overwhelmingly dominating his experienced teammate Robert Kubica, who was returning to Formula 1 after his terrible rally accident in 2011. With a 21 to 0 in qualifications, Russell proved his worth and speed against the only benchmark he had this year.
Unfortunately for him, one of the rare times he was outrun in the race by Kubica made him miss the chance to score a point that ultimately went to his teammate after the disqualification of Alfa Romeo at the German Grand Prix.
No one will hold it against him, least of all his team, which was quick to renew their trust in him for 2020. Moreover, Russell even had the luxury of making it to Q2 during the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifications, which, along with the point scored by Kubica, represents one of Williams’ few satisfactions this year.
As a reward for his selflessness, Russell had the chance to drive the championship-winning Mercedes W10 twice during tests throughout the season. A golden opportunity for the Mercedes-badged driver not to be forgotten and to prepare for the future in a drivers’ market that will be in full swing in 2020.
