Feeling sorry for Russell after crash: ''No one doubts his speed''

George Russell is still searching for his first F1 points with Williams, after he retired from the Styrian Grand Prix. Toto Wolff sympathises with his pupil, especially as the problem was caused by the Mercedes engine.

Russell enjoyed another strong weekend in Austria. The Brit qualified P11 for the Styrian Grand Prix, and a good start on his fresh medium tyres saw him move up to eighth place. The team brought him in due to reliability issues, however, and that would later mean the end of the race.

Bad luck for Russell

''It's obviously super unfortunate for Williams and for himself,'' Wolff said in conversation with Sky Germany. It's not the first time that Russell missed out on points. For Williams he has never managed to score points. There have been some moments, but always hampered bad luck or a mistake.

''Nobody doubts his speed and qualities as a driver. It'sa pity for Williams that they were unable to score those points, because with that they could have made an important move in the championship," concluded Wolff who also reveals that Russell's eventual retirement was due to a problem with the Mercedes engine at the back of the Williams.