Is it crucial that George Russell score his first F1 points by the end of the season?

The Williams driver is yet to score points in F1 and has shown the quality in recent races that he has the capability of doing that sooner rather than later.

George Russell has caught the eye in F1 since his debut at the start of 2019. The British driver has consistently outperformed his teammates, and yet one thing has always avoided him. A world championship point.

There was a lot of hype in 2019 when the then reigning F2 champion arrived in the sport, alongside friends and rivals, Alex Albon and Lando Norris. Whilst the latter two have gone on to consistently score points, George Russell hasn’t got any.

It would be hard to blame Russell for not scoring any points last season. Williams endured a disastrous campaign with their only point being scored by Robert Kubica, in Hockenheim, in a race with a large number of retirements.

This season, however, Williams have improved, and although the car isn’t anywhere as near as competitive as the Williams cars of 2016 and 2017, it’s a car that should from time to time deliver Russell and his teammate Nicholas Latifi points.

After seeing Russell making a horrendous mistake behind the safety car at Imola recently, we’ve come to the realisation that he needs to end his drought and score a point by the end of this season. It would be vital for his career.

With a triple header in the Middle East starting next week, Russell has some good chances to score points. The Williams car has proven itself to be handy in a straight line with its Mercedes engine, which should suit the short oval like circuit of Bahrain.

He also has a chance at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, when some of the midfield teams will have take some strategic risks in their own battles.

If George Russell can get off the mark in F1 by the end of this season, it will give him a massive confidence boost. The Norfolk born driver can really push on from then, with the knowledge of how to finish in the top ten in races.

It also boosts Williams’ confidence, who will surely feel frustrated at this point, because in spite of all their improvements from 2019 they risk a poorer scoring season. It also boosts Russell’s credentials for a Mercedes seat when one becomes available, this is a big attraction for any driver.

Ultimately, if Russell can get off the mark by the end of this season he can challenge from the start of next season, without the pressure of trying to end his drought. George Russell is undoubtedly one of the most exciting drivers on the grid with a lot of potential. If he can get scoring points there may be no stopping him from future success.

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