Russell eyes first F1 points for Williams with ‘maximum attack’ approach

The Briton turned in another outstanding Saturday display to qualify 11th on the grid at Portimao as he narrowly missed out on securing Williams’ first Q3 appearance since the 2018 Italian Grand Prix by just 0.057s.

And Russell, who is looking to bounce back from his race-ending crash with Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas last time out at Imola, is feeling confident about his prospects heading into the race.

“We were very fast in practice one and have just been struggling ever since,” he said. “In qualifying, everything came alive again.

“I had lots of confidence and we did a fantastic job to qualify 11th - it’s our best result ever in these past three years on a Saturday – so I’m really happy.”

Asked whether he feels Williams can achieve a Q3 appearance this year, Russell replied: “No reason, why not.

“This was a great opportunity. Even last weekend was a great opportunity. I was struggling all week in Imola and we came so close. So that’s the goal.”

As the highest-placed car on the Medium tyres, Russell hopes that he can claim a strong result providing he doesn’t lose too much ground with a number of Soft-shod runners starting around him.

“We’re on the medium tyre for the start tomorrow,” he explained. “The rivals around us, who are ahead, will be on the softs, which is not a great race tyre. So we’re in a great position.

“It’s all about a good start, a good first lap. We have the straight-line speed. The guys behind us will really struggle to overtake us, so eyes forward and maximum attack.”