Williams becoming ‘the F1 team drivers want to go to’ - Capito

Boosted by fresh investment from new owners Dorilton Capital, Williams is pushing to return to the front of the F1 grid in the coming seasons after a number of years struggling for competitiveness.

Capito says it is in no rush to finalise its line-up for 2022 with Mercedes protege George Russell in the final year of his three-year contract with Williams and linked with a move to the works’ team.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff indicated at this weekend’s French Grand Prix that his side could delay a decision over who will take the second seat until the winter, but Capito is not concerned about how that may impact Williams, which currently only has Nicholas Latifi signed up for next season.

“I think we have time,” Capito said. “When I see what the contacts are, Williams seems to be the team where the drivers want to go to.

“They see what the new owners have done, what they are doing, they see the investment, they see the changes of the team, and they see that the spirit is good and they know that Williams very much looks after drivers and employees.

“I think for the months to come, I am sure, Williams will become more and more attractive for drivers. That’s why we don’t have any rush [for 2022].”

Russell said ahead of the Paul Ricard race that he is “enjoying the curiosity” of his unknown F1 future amid intensifying reports he is poised for a Mercedes promotion.

The 23-year-old insisted he wanted to remain fully focused on his on-track performances and hoped to have his future decided by the end of the summer break in August.

Asked if he is worried that Russell could become distracted by the speculation surrounding his future, Capito replied: “No I don’t think so, he’s a very strong personality.

“He knows where he stands and he knows his capabilities, and his performance, I don’t see that at all. I think he’s very relaxed.

“He is happy with us this year. It’s not the performance of the car he would like to have, but he sees the team is moving forward and he sees that in the future.

“That’s why he’s very confident and he’s not bothered by this, I am sure.”