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Williams no longer looks at pay-drivers: 'Want best possible drivers'

Williams no longer looks at pay-drivers: 'Want best possible drivers'

23-07-2021 07:34 Last update: 08:48
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GPblog.com

Williams seems to have a real choice of drivers for the first time in years. The team has been languishing at the bottom of the grid for a few years now, but with the financial injection from the new owners the team wants to return to the top, and that attracts good drivers.

George Russell has shown each race weekend what is possible when you push the Williams to its limits. On Saturday even a Q3 is possible these days, but the Brit has yet to score any points. Russell could well leave Williams next year, with a possible seat at Mercedes. The team is not looking for pay drivers anymore but wants quality.

Quality at Williams

''We want to have the best possible drivers, but only drivers who are interested in driving for Williams and know what is required at this team. A driver who wants to become world champion next year will certainly not end up with us. He will be at the wrong team'', says team principal Jost Capito to Motorsport.com.

''We need someone who can bring the team back to the top, who supports the team and who can lead the team. At the moment we see that the interest to drive for Williams is increasing again and that is only good to notice.''

Williams becoming more attractive

The list of names is a long one for Williams, who are therefore looking for the best possible driver duo. Nicholas Latifi's tenure is also far from certain. Names of Daniil Kvyat, Nico Hulkenberg and Nyck de Vries are already singing around, but Valtteri Bottas may also become available on the market if Russell gets his place.

''The increased interest is mainly due to the good steps we have taken recently. We have sufficient financial resources and that is well known in the racing world. Furthermore, we will continue to work hard according to the route we have taken and we hope to make Williams an even more attractive destination for drivers than it already is'', concludes the former Volkswagen chief executive.