George Russell believes being paired with Robert Kubica at Williams will prove beneficial for his own reputation – so long as he and the Pole can help move the team up the Formula 1 pecking order.
Williams confirmed in October that Russell, who went on to add the Formula 2 title to his 2017 GP3 success, would step up to a Formula 1 seat with the team in 2019.
Williams mulled over its options for its remaining vacancy before opting to promote test and reserve driver Kubica to a race seat, ending his eight-year absence from the grid.
Kubica was regarded as one of Formula 1’s finest talents during his 2006-10 spell in the sport, taking victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, and regularly excelled with Renault in 2010.
“I really like Robert, he’s a fantastic guy off the circuit,” Russell explained.
“He’s extremely knowledgeable on the engineering side, and his speed and talent is unquestionable.
“I really wanted a team-mate like Robert to go up against and show what I am capable of.
“I think obviously his natural talent is unquestionable, he has a huge amount of technical knowledge to be able to bring to the team.
“He’s extremely motivated and has huge knowledge about the car on the technical side, and I think obviously it’s no secret of a tough year for Williams in 2018.
“I think with his experience and my knowledge of my experience at Mercedes, I think we have a huge amount to bring to the team.”
Russell nonetheless stressed that beating Kubica would have no meaning if Williams remained rooted to the rear of the grid, as it was through 2018.
“I think our targets next season are very clear, and that’s to get Williams back to fighting into the points and the top of the midfield,” he said.
“I think we want to be recognised, we want to be putting in good results.
“If I’m beating my team-mate but it’s for last position, there’s no joy or glory for anybody.
“Myself and Robert will be working really hard together, firstly to get the team to where they deserve to be, and then we’ll see how the results are after that.”
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