Williams has announced that Alex Albon will not take part in the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix after a heavy crash in the final part of qualifying earlier today.
With rain leading to Saturday’s qualifying being rescheduled for 0730 local time on Sunday morning, the conditions had only slightly improved by the time cars took to the track.
Colapinto was the first to bring out one of five red flags during qualifying, as tricky conditions led to cars crashing out across the Interlagos track.
Mexico Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz then brought out another red in Q2, before Lance Stroll’s crash brought a premature end to that session – meaning championship leader Max Verstappen was eliminated.
The second Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso then shunted before Albon had the biggest crash of all, going off at Turn 1 at a point when he had set the provisional second-fastest time in Q3.
Despite Albon ruling himself out of the race, Williams wanted to check the damage on both cars before making the call.
A team statement confirmed that only Colapinto’s car will be ready in time.
“Unfortunately, after assessing the extensive damage sustained to Alex Albon’s car, the required repairs could not be completed in the short window of time between Qualifying and the Race,” it said.
Marshals clear away the car of Alex Albon, Williams FW46
Photo by: Andrew Ferraro
“The team is therefore forced to withdraw Alex’s car for the remainder of the Grand Prix. Franco Colapinto will compete in this afternoon’s Grand Prix.”
After the Q3 session resumed following Albon’s crash, times improved and left the Williams man in seventh place.
However, his withdrawal from the race will be a blow to Williams in its constructors’ battle with Alpine, who are just a point behind in the battle for eight place in the standings.
Esteban Ocon put his Alpine on the second row, where he will start fourth alongside Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. Colapinto will start 18th following his Q1 crash.
“It’s a heartbreaking day for the team,” said Williams team principal James Vowles.
“We’re here to go racing and nobody wants to be in this situation. The most important point is that all the drivers who had incidents in Qualifying are okay, including Alex and Franco.
“Despite the best efforts of our hard-working, talented and resilient team, there simply was not enough time to repair Alex’s car in time for the Grand Prix.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow at the end of a tough triple-header, especially when both drivers showed tremendous pace this morning.
“We will focus on maximising this afternoon with Franco and putting on a show for the incredible fans here in Brazil.”
Sainz will start from the pitlane after taking on an entire new power unit and gearbox for his Ferrari following his qualifying crash.
