Russell: Norris promotion helped me get Williams seat

George Russell has admitted his F2 title rival Lando Norris' promotion to McLaren for the 2019 season helped him get his own seat at Williams.

Russell won seven times last season in the F2 championship on his way to beating Norris to the title, and earned himself a seat at Williams.

Norris was confirmed as Stoffel Vandoorne's replacement in early September; with Russell having to wait an extra month for confirmation of his drive.

Asked if he was frustrated by Norris' announcement before him, even though Russell was leading the title race, and the Williams driver replied: "No, not at all actually.

Russell will be joined next season by the returning Robert Kubica, and he has admitted that the team's targets for next season is to try and get back around the midfield, after a dismal season in 2018.

"I think our targets next season are very clear, and that's to get Williams back to fighting into the points and the top of the midfield," Russel explained to Crash.net. "I think we want to be recognised, we want to be putting in good results.