News
Russell and Latifi insist they have faith in new owners as Williams family step down from the team
With the news that Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams and founder Sir Frank will step away from the team after the Italian Grand Prix, their drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi said they're confident about the team's future under the new owners.
In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, Claire Williams said that she and Sir Frank would be stepping down to “preserve the Williams family’s legacy”, and the two drivers said they had been reassured that new owners Dorilton Capital would continue to push the team in the right direction, as question marks remain about who will be taking over as the new team principal.
READ MORE: Williams family to step aside from running of the team after Italian GP
“I’m not sure if it’s announced yet, but I’ll be going as a driver-manager role being the Team Principal for the coming race… I’m kidding,” began Russell in jest, but he continued to explain that the pair of drivers had been given “assurances” that Williams are in safe hands.
“Claire broke the news to us this morning, to myself and Nicholas. [In terms of] assurances, for Claire and the Williams family the team means a huge amount to them, more than it does to anybody else, and I think they would not have sold it to a company they did not have faith that they would have the best interests of the team at heart, and I think with Dorilton that’s absolutely what they believe they have.
We’ll continue to fight representing the family name
George Russell
“They [Dorilton] are a great bunch of people, very passionate, and I am definitely at ease with the situation knowing that if Claire and the Williams family are happy with it then, like I say, they are only doing it for the interests of the team.”
Latifi added that he trusts the decision that Claire and the family have made, and said announcements will be made in “due course” on a new Team Principal.
READ MORE: Vettel purchases Mansell’s iconic championship-winning Williams
“Definitely over the coming days, weeks, months, there will be changes,” he said. “In due course a new management, Team Principal, will be announced at some point… for me, it’s not something that I’m so concerned about as Claire has said she really trusts in Dorilton and their vision for the team, so I can only trust that. And I do so. Whatever happens in the coming weeks, months, we’ll see…”
George Russell: 'Privilege' to be a part of Williams history
In tribute to Claire and Sir Frank’s work, Russell said that it was a “sad day” to witness the end of an era as the family, who have led the team to nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers championships, step away after five decades in the sport.
“Obviously, it’s a sad day for us, for me personally Frank and Claire gave me my opportunity in Formula 1 – something I am very thankful and grateful for, having the opportunity to drive for such an amazing and prestigious team for the two years I’ve been here so far.
“So it’s sad to see the Williams family step aside but the history of Williams will still remain, we’ll still remain under Williams Racing and we’ll continue to fight representing the family name.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Feature EXCLUSIVE: ‘He embraced the series’ – How ‘charismatic’ Ricciardo took on a starring role in Drive To Survive
Feature 5 mid-season driver swaps that paid off – and 5 that didn’t – as Lawson steps up to replace Ricciardo
News Russell reckons Antonelli will 'keep me on my toes' in 2025 as he outlines expectations for their partnership
News Horner makes Ronaldo comparison as Newey gets set for switch from Red Bull to Aston Martin