The difference between the apparently laid-back, bubbly Antonelli and the more intense, focused Russell has been frequently commented on this year; even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the Austrian Grand Prix win as “cold-blooded”.
But while Antonelli’s approach may be more fan-friendly, Russell’s demeanour is an advantage in the title race, says Williams.
“George is just thorough, and he’s a perfectionist, and I think that that will can only be an advantage in the position that he’s finding himself in this year,” she said.
“He used to tell a story [about] karting with his dad when he was very young. I think people used to nickname him Grandpa because he just behaved in an extraordinarily mature way for his years, and I think that level of maturity afforded him that level of perfectionism.
“That’s George, isn’t it? He’s just buttoned up and he is myopically focused, and everything for him he has to do to the best of his abilities.”
Claire Williams saw Russell’s resilience first-hand in 2019 and 2020
George Brabner
Russell’s attitude is as evident on track as it is in the paddock, with a measured, calculated approach to racing that contrasts with the more gung-ho displays from Antonelli. Williams compared it to Alain Prost’s “cerebral” approach, pointing out that the four-time world champion achieved plenty of success without “just sending it”.
“From my experience of George, I think he is perfectly capable of winning that psychological battle when it comes to trying to win a world championship, competing for that against your team-mate, who is invariably going to be the hardest competitor that you have, because you’re in the same equipment,” she added.
“George, what he’s really good at, is he’s quite self-aware and he’ll be sitting there thinking each and every day, what do I need to do in order to surpass my team-mate? How can I win that battle?”