Williams has introduced that Alex Albon won’t participate within the Formulation 1 Brazilian Grand Prix after a heavy crash within the last a part of qualifying earlier in the present day.
With rain resulting in Saturday’s qualifying being rescheduled for 0730 native time on Sunday morning, the circumstances had solely barely improved by the point automobiles took to the monitor.
Colapinto was the primary to convey out one in all 5 crimson flags throughout qualifying, as tough circumstances led to automobiles crashing out throughout the Interlagos monitor.
Mexico Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz then introduced out one other crimson in Q2, earlier than Lance Stroll’s crash introduced a untimely finish to that session – that means championship chief Max Verstappen was eradicated.
The second Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso then shunted earlier than Albon had the largest crash of all, going off at Flip 1 at some extent when he had set the provisional second-fastest time in Q3.
Regardless of Albon ruling himself out of the race, Williams needed to verify the injury on each automobiles earlier than making the decision.
A workforce assertion confirmed that solely Colapinto’s automotive shall be prepared in time.
“Sadly, after assessing the in depth injury sustained to Alex Albon’s automotive, the required repairs couldn’t be accomplished within the quick window of time between Qualifying and the Race,” it stated.
Marshals clear away the automotive of Alex Albon, Williams FW46
Photograph by: Andrew Ferraro
“The workforce is due to this fact compelled to withdraw Alex’s automotive for the rest of the Grand Prix. Franco Colapinto will compete on this afternoon’s Grand Prix.”
After the Q3 session resumed following Albon’s crash, instances improved and left the Williams man in seventh place.
Nevertheless, his withdrawal from the race shall be a blow to Williams in its constructors’ battle with Alpine, who’re only a level behind within the battle for eight place within the standings.
Esteban Ocon put his Alpine on the second row, the place he’ll begin fourth alongside Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. Colapinto will begin 18th following his Q1 crash.
“It’s a heartbreaking day for the workforce,” stated Williams workforce principal James Vowles.
“We’re right here to go racing and no one desires to be on this scenario. An important level is that every one the drivers who had incidents in Qualifying are okay, together with Alex and Franco.
“Regardless of one of the best efforts of our hard-working, proficient and resilient workforce, there merely was not sufficient time to restore Alex’s automotive in time for the Grand Prix.
“It’s a bitter capsule to swallow on the finish of a tricky triple-header, particularly when each drivers confirmed super tempo this morning.
“We’ll deal with maximising this afternoon with Franco and placing on a present for the unbelievable followers right here in Brazil.”
Sainz will begin from the pitlane after taking over a complete new energy unit and gearbox for his Ferrari following his qualifying crash.