Russell happy with 2019 progress

Williams rookie George Russell admits he has been happy with his debut season despite not scoring any points. The Englishman has driven alongside the returning Robert Kubica for the floundering team this season after winning the 2018 Formula 2 Championship. However, it has been a difficult year for the team who endured a terrible pre-season, barely being able to send the car out on track. Following their limited spell at the Circuit de Catalunya, Williams have spent virtually all season at the back of the grid and have only scored one point after Kubica took advantage of a rain-soaked German Grand Prix. Russell though has out-qualified his more experienced team mate in 15 of the 17 races and says he matched his expectations in 2019. “I think [this year] has met my pre-season expectations,” he told MotorsportWeek.com. “The whole Formula 1 rollercoaster itself, I wasn’t 100 per cent sure of what to expect but I’m really happy with how the season has gone, generally. “From the good moments to the tougher times, I think I wouldn’t change anything at all. “Especially from the tougher times I’ve learned a huge amount and generally being in the position that I’ve been at the back of the grid it’s given us an opportunity and me an opportunity just to explore a bit more and be under the radar.”