Russell physically diminished but good for service

George Russell is not in top form this weekend in Abu Dhabi, so Williams had to come up with contingency plans to compensate for a possible withdrawal from the British rookie. 

The Grove team thus made contact with its former driver Sergey Sirotkin, present in the United Arab Emirates as a reserve Renault et McLaren. Williams also approached the 3rd driver Mercedes Esteban Ocon but the Frenchman is too slender to fit into the chassis of the FW42. 

The English team cannot yet call on its future holder Nicholas latifi since the latter is playing in the final of the championship Formula 2 this week-end. Incidentally, the Canadian does not officially have a Super License F1. 

« I don't feel at my best but I'm fit enough to drive, that's the most important thing, said Russell after Friday's free practice. I don't want to reveal any more details. It's not a disease, it's something different. I will say more in due time. 

I didn't feel too bad last night but I didn't know how I would feel this morning. It will all make sense when I can say more. The priority is to take care of myself. The idea was to take stock after the free runs, hence the need to have a plan B for the team. I don't feel 100% but I can drive ». 

Russell finished dead last in FP1, a good distance from Robert Kucia, before taking the advantage over his Polish teammate at the start of the evening.