Williams Racing has taken to social media to celebrate after scoring points for the first time in two years.
In a topsy-turvy Hungarian GP that saw most of the usual suspects taken out in the first lap itself, the dark horses struck. Among them were the two Williams cars driven by George Russell and Nicholas Latifi. By the end of it, Latifi and Russell had finished P8 and P9 respectively, scoring Williams their first points in two years.
Everybody expected another race of heartbreak for Williams after so many close calls. This race, however, saw Latifi and Russell go high up the standings after the drama in the first lap. However, they were still very much vulnerable to being overtaken by those behind them.
In a stunning turn of events, Latifi and Russell prevailed despite some setbacks. Although they dropped some places and Russell had a puncture scare, they fended off other drivers to finish where they did. Of particular importance was Russell’s unselfish radio message to the team to focus on Latifi if needed, as he was ahead of the young Englishman. The love for his team and for his teammate was clearly felt in his message.
Team effort
The points finish means a lot to the illustrious outfit. It means Williams will receive good money from F1. It also meant Russell finished with points for the first time after all these years at Williams. Given that he is a talented driver and is linked with a big move to Mercedes, this was the one thing that had eluded him. At last, he received his reward and cried tears of joy at the end of the race.
Latifi, meanwhile, has never finished this high in the standings in his F1 career. He put in a shift, and this was easily his best performance in a long time. On a day when Williams was trying to secure just one point, the team earned and deservedly got more than that. Frank and Claire would be proud of what the team has achieved in Hungary.
It was the night of the underdog on a historic weekend in Budapest. Among the winners of the day is Williams, and everyone associated with them.
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