George Russell conceded he felt “relief” that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend came to a close after a series of complications compounded Williams’ difficult start to 2019.
Williams has been off the pace this year and Russell’s personal preparations for Baku were hindered after he picked up a viral infection following the previous event in China.
It left Russell bedbound for several days and he was unable to train, and cut a forlorn figure for much of the weekend, having cancelled some Thursday commitments.
Russell’s on-track hopes took a substantial blow on Friday when he struck a loose drain cover in the first practice session, resulting in Williams changing his chassis due to the level of damage the FW42 sustained.
Russell was consequently unable to partake in the second practice session but went on to qualify and race in front of team-mate Robert Kubica, albeit finishing a twice-lapped 15th.
“It was as good as could be really,” said the reigning Formula 2 champion.
“We knew coming into this weekend that it would probably be the hardest weekend of the year for us.
“Put that on top of myself being really ill since the start of last week, and then Friday with the manhole cover ruining the whole of Friday and the guys having to work all day and through the night to get the car fixed, I was quite relieved for the weekend to be over. Eyes on Barcelona.”
Mercedes-backed Russell nonetheless joked that he was also relieved not to interfere in the late battle for the lead between Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton.
“I was aware they were racing” he said. “I had put on the Soft tyres at the end and just couldn’t get them working so I felt like I was driving on ice.
“And I was like ‘Bloody hell, I hope I don’t get in the way here or do anything stupid!’ Especially being Mercedes and everything.
“They flew by and before I knew it I couldn’t see them anymore, but good TV time, eh?"
