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 at the moment.
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 observe.
Colapinto was the primary to deliver out one among 5 crimson flags throughout qualifying, as difficult circumstances led to automobiles crashing out throughout the Interlagos observe.
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 – which means championship chief Max Verstappen was eradicated.
The second Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso then shunted earlier than Albon had the most important crash of all, going off at Flip 1 at a degree 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 staff assertion confirmed that solely Colapinto’s automotive might be prepared in time.
“Sadly, after assessing the intensive injury sustained to Alex Albon’s automotive, the required repairs couldn’t be accomplished within the brief window of time between Qualifying and the Race,” it mentioned.
Marshals clear away the automotive of Alex Albon, Williams FW46
Picture by: Andrew Ferraro
“The staff is subsequently 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 might 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 staff,” mentioned Williams staff principal James Vowles.
“We’re right here to go racing and no one needs to be on this scenario. Crucial level is that every one the drivers who had incidents in Qualifying are okay, together with Alex and Franco.
“Regardless of the very best efforts of our hard-working, proficient and resilient staff, there merely was not sufficient time to restore Alex’s automotive in time for the Grand Prix.
“It’s a bitter tablet to swallow on the finish of a tricky triple-header, particularly when each drivers confirmed great tempo this morning.
“We’ll deal with maximising this afternoon with Franco and placing on a present for the unimaginable 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.