“Heartbreaking” day for Williams as crash rules Albon out of Brazilian GP

Williams has confirmed Alex Albon will not take part in the Brazilian Grand Prix after a heavy crash in the final part of qualifying.

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 four 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 the 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, crashing off at turn one at a time when he was sitting second on the grid.

Despite Albon ruling himself out of the race, Williams initially gave themselves a chance to check the damage on both cars before making the call.

“Qualifying earlier this morning, ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Williams Racing sustained significant accident damage to both cars following incidents in the inclement weather conditions,” a team statement read.

“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. 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 their constructors’ battle with Alpine, who are just a point behind in the battle for eighth place in the standings.

With Albon out and Colapinto also crashing in Q1, Esteban Ocon put his Alpine on the second row, where he will start fourth alongside Oscar Piastri’s McLaren.

“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.

Photos from Brazilian GP Qualifying