Russell believes Williams will be at the rear of the field

Williams F1 rookie George Russell believes that the Grove based team is currently heading up the rear of the field during Thursday's testing in Barcelona. The team have been working hard to recover the losses sustained after they missed the opening two tests last week in an attempt to get the new car ready.

Williams had a dismal season in 2018, finishing in last in the constructors championship after scoring only 7 points from 21 races. However, Russell believes that their is still a lot to be found from the new FW42.

"I’d be lying if I said we were not the slowest at the moment, that is a reality,” Russell told MotorsportWeek.com. "It is clear we have some work to do, but was very positive is that we made a big step from when I jumped into the car definitely on Tuesday, we made a step since Robert [Kubica] was in the car yesterday.Hopefully when he jumps in again tomorrow, we will find another step."

Mercedes junior driver and 2018 FIA F2 Champion Russell joins Williams in an all new line up for 2019 alongside popular Polish driver Robert Kubica, who makes a much anticipated return to F1 since sustaining life threatening injuries in a rally accident in 2011. Russell is confident and eager to make his debut in Australia in two weeks' time.

“I think I need to step back and pinch myself and realise I am in F1 and I will be making my debut, but at the end of the day my goal is to be in F1 for many years to come,” Russell commented. "If I step back and relax too much I might be kicked out of the door. So my goal at the moment is to work with the team to try and push this car and get everything out of it.”