Claire Williams reveals why she made George Russell ‘upset’

Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has opened up about the tough decision to keep George Russell at the team despite Mercedes’ efforts to sign him early.



In a candid interview on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast, Williams shared the emotional weight behind denying the young British driver a quicker step into the top tier of Formula 1.



A Star in the Making at Williams



George Russell began his Formula 1 career with Williams in 2019, joining a team that was struggling at the back of the grid but remained rich in legacy. Despite a difficult car, Russell’s performances stood out. Mercedes, who had long earmarked him as a future star, attempted to bring him in for the 2021 season. However, Williams held firm.



Russell’s brief outing for Mercedes at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix — standing in for Lewis Hamilton after he tested positive for COVID-19 — only increased the pressure. He nearly claimed pole and was on course for victory before a pit stop error and puncture saw him finish ninth.







Still, Claire Williams didn’t let him go.



“George really wanted to go to Mercedes, and he was clearly upset. As much as I would have loved to have made George’s dreams come true, I couldn’t,” she said. “That was one of the hardest parts of being team principal for me.”



Standing Up to Mercedes



Williams’ refusal wasn’t out of stubbornness — it was about protecting her team’s interests. She revealed that Mercedes didn’t offer suitable compensation for Russell, who she described as a “star driver.”



“George was incredibly important to me. But you know, when you go into a negotiation with a team like Mercedes and they’re not offering you what they should be for your ace… then why would you just let him go?” she said.



She added, “What kind of team principal would I have been if I’d have just let George go cause Mercedes said, ‘We want George now.’ That’s not how it works, is it?”



Emotional Toll of Leadership



Claire Williams admitted that the emotional impact of holding Russell back was significant. She described herself as a “people pleaser,” someone who struggles with the idea of being the one to disappoint others — especially a driver as dedicated and ambitious as Russell.



“And it was really difficult. It was very hard to stand my ground,” she explained. “If someone comes to me and they’re upset and it’s because of me… it’s really hard, you know? But I had to put my team first.”



She added, “I wasn’t able to do that with George. And I will forever hate—not hate myself for that—but it doesn’t feel good.”



Russell’s Time Eventually Came



Despite the delay, Russell did get his shot with Mercedes in 2022, replacing Valtteri Bottas. That season, he secured his maiden Formula 1 win at the Brazilian Grand Prix and has since become a key figure in the team’s post-Hamilton era.



Now leading Mercedes alongside rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Russell has embraced the challenge of becoming the team’s senior driver. However, it hasn’t come without concern.




Sebastian #Vettel breaks silence on Mick #Schumacher joining Cadillac https://t.co/rAHXT4SiBl — Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 9, 2025




READ: George Russell worried about ‘creating new problem’ at Mercedes



The 27-year-old and Antonelli have helped Mercedes to second place in the constructors’ standings, securing 141 points so far in the 2025 season — behind only McLaren. Antonelli himself has made headlines for both his rapid rise and modest $2 million salary.



Claire Williams’ leadership during Russell’s early career may have caused some short-term heartbreak, but the long-term result has been a testament to her decision-making — and Russell’s resilience.
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