George ends Friday in P13 at Portimão as he prepares for qualifying ahead of Formula One’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

In FP1, George and his Williams team took advantage of the calm condition and opted to run the Soft (C3) compound Pirelli tyres, completing 28 laps of the 4.6km Algarve International Circuit to secure P7 with a 1:20.529 lap time.

The afternoon FP2 session was delayed by 10 minutes due to track repairs but George wasted no time getting out on track once they were given the green light.

As the wind became stronger during the afternoon session, conditions became tricker for the Brit and hindered his performance. However, George was able to achieve P13 by the end of the session with a 1:20.976 lap time.

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George Russell – Williams Racing Driver

‍“Naturally the car has moved forward, and the team is looking in great shape. I think we are getting the most out of our package and I’m pleased with that. The wind really picked up in the afternoon and it is no secret that we struggle in those conditions.  I don’t want to overpromise and underdeliver, but if the wind dies down, we will improve, and I think P2 was the worst of it this weekend. This circuit is incredibly exposed and undulating, so if you do get a gust of wind, you really do feel it. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I think Q2 is the minimum for us, and I hope we will be fighting for points on Sunday.”

George will be on track for the final free practice session on Saturday May 1 at 12pm BST.