Williams have admitted it would be pointless for them to target a driver who had any aspirations about being World Champion in 2022.

If, as many pundits believe, George Russell is recalled by Mercedes to replace Valtteri Bottas for next season, Williams will need someone to step into the Briton’s shoes.

That would be quite a task too, for Russell has outperformed the potential of the Williams in qualifying numerous times, now starting to make a habit of reaching Q3, although in races he is still seeking a first point for the team.

There is upward progress though from Williams, especially from the depths to which they plummeted in the past few years, and the new regulations being brought in to the sport in 2022 offer them a big opportunity to push themselves back up the order.