The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is back on the calendar in 2021. George Russell does not have fond memories of this race after he made what he calls the biggest mistake of his career here last year. However, there is hope for Russell in the form of updates.
Adjustments at Williams
Williams has been at the back of the grid in recent years and where Alfa Romeo seemed to have found its way to the midfield in Bahrain, Haas and Williams are still at the bottom of the table. Williams seems to have overtaken Haas in this respect though, although that could also be because the 'Rookies' at the American team still need to get used to the car.
''There will be a few changes to the car this weekend mainly aimed at resolving the issue that caused us to retire Nicholas’s car in Bahrain. We also have some additional test items to try as we look to improve the characteristics of the car and to adapt it to the different challenge of Imola,'' said Dave Robson, head of car performance at Williams.
Russell out for revenge
''Imola is a fantastic circuit; it’s very fast and you really need to be committed. It also has a lot of character that the newer tracks sometimes lack, and you feel that when you’re bouncing over the kerbs. I’m very happy that the track is back on the calendar this season'', said Russell in the Williams preview. Yet Russell is reluctant to look back at his previous race in Imola.
''I made what is probably the biggest mistake of my career at Imola in 2020 when crashing under the safety car. It’s a track where, if you make a mistake, you’re out. But that’s what racing should be about! I’ll look to try and rectify my mistake from last year with a good result this weekend'', concludes the Briton.