“We are not dependent like in the past” – Williams CEO Jost Capito has confirmed they are free to choose from all the options available to replace George Russell once he makes the switch to Mercedes.
Williams have been struggling over the past few seasons, both on the track and financially. But a takeover by investment firm Dorilton Capital last season has helped matters, with the team scoring double points in the Hungarian GP last weekend, their first points for the season.
And Williams CEO and team principal Jost Capito has confirmed they don’t need to rely on drivers who come wth financial backing anymore. In the recent past, Lance Stroll, Robert Kubica and Nicholas Latifi have driven for the team backed by sponsors.
“I think we at Williams, we are in the position that we solely decide on the drivers. We are not dependent like in the past on somebody, a driver who brings money.
“We have a long-term plan to get back to the top. And we have to choose the drivers that fit into that plan. We are just thinking about this. Of course everybody can talk to us, but the decision is with us.”
Who will replace George Russell at Williams?
Williams need to find a replacement for Russell, after he moves to Mercedes. The prime contenders currently are Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hulkenberg, and Daniil Kvyat.
Capito acknowledges this, and wants to take time to finalize it, considering the seat at Williams is the most prized vacant seat for next season.
“I think every driver who hasn’t got a fixed seat for next year, or has an option for next year, is talking to us at the moment. It is the most aspired seat in Formula 1 right now for a team that has to fill a seat.”
