From what could politely be described as a ‘difficult start’ to the 2019 season, Williams have made good progress in dragging themselves closer to the midfield as the year has progressed – even if it’s not necessarily reflected in the standings. But though he’s turned in some starring, under-the-radar drives this term, rookie George Russell admits he’s still being limited by some of the FW42’s foibles…

Russell qualified 18th last time out in Japan, just two-hundredths of a second off Sergio Perez’s Racing Point in Q1 around technically demanding Suzuka circuit. But he described the race as ‘one of our worst of the year’ as braking issues slowed his progress.

“We've been having a bit of a braking issue for a number of events now,” Russell explained. “It was particularly bad in the race, you know, when you're almost braking into every corner you have no confidence on the brakes, means you have no confidence to attack the corner, that was compromising my pace.