CLAIRE WILLIAMS Opens Up on Blocking Russell’s Mercedes Move for Three Years

May 8, 2025

by F1 // from www.formula1.com

• CLAIRE WILLIAMS reveals the emotional toll of blocking George Russell’s move to Mercedes for three seasons while she served as Deputy Team Principal. Despite Russell’s clear desire to join the front-running team and Mercedes’ interest, Williams stood firm on his contract, arguing that losing their “A-star driver” would send the wrong message to her struggling team and that Mercedes wasn’t offering fair compensation for his talent.
• The decision created tension between Williams and Russell, who was “clearly upset” about being blocked from his dream opportunity. Williams admits hating the position she was put in but emphasizes she had to “put my team first,” telling Russell the experience would build resilience and strength – advice that appears prescient given his current success at Mercedes since joining in 2022.
• Looking back, Williams places Russell among the elite drivers she worked with at Williams, alongside Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas, but believes Russell had “the greatest level of potential to go on and be a World Champion.” She points to his current form as validation, noting he’s reached “that zone of absolute superstardom” and praising his physical transformation and dedication to reaching the top level of the sport.

drive to survive, formula 1, mercedes f1, williams f1