George Russell says Williams is testing “double or triple” the amount compared to its Formula 1 rivals, in its eventual bid to return to midfield respectability.
Williams regressed through the order in 2018 and has slumped to a firm last in 2019, having finished as comfortably the slowest team at each event, often a second per lap down on the rear of the midfield.
Due to its position at the back of the pack Williams has opted against bringing a raft of minor updates and is instead focusing on a substantial upgrade package, the arrival date of which has yet to be determined.
It has led to the team in effect using grand prix weekends as extended test sessions as it strives to understand as much as possible about its recalcitrant FW42.
“I think you’ve always got to find a positive in every situation,” said Russell.
“The fact we’re not fighting for anything… we’ve got to try and make the most of this difficult situation by testing a lot of different things.
“We’re probably testing double or triple the amount compared to every other team.
“They can’t afford or risk to do that as they have to maximise every single session and every lap, whereas we can maximise things that will help us in the long term.”
Williams struggled in Canada as the low-speed corners and long straights accentuated the weaknesses in the FW42.
But Russell was nonetheless upbeat over the revisions that were made through the weekend.
“We brought some test items to the car and it’s improved the drivability and the balance of the car,” he said.
“The car is feeling relatively good, just not quick enough, whereas previously the car wasn’t feeling good and we weren’t quick enough.
“So we’ve made one step, and hopefully now when we start putting more downforce on the car in a couple of races time we should be in a good position.”
