Logan Sargeant, Williams FW46 during the Australian GP at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on Friday March 22, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images)
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Formula 1 News: Williams punishes Sargeant for Albon’s mistake

Posted by AR1 staff

Alex Albon will take over Logan Sargeant’s car for the rest of the Australian Grand Prix weekend after Albon damaged his Williams F1 car beyond repair in Practice 1.

“This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it’s absolutely not easy,” said a dejected teammate Logan Sargeant.

“I am, however, completely here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way that I can this weekend to maximize what we can do.”

“Logan should not have to suffer from a mistake that he did not make,” said team boss James Vowles. “But the midfield battle is too tight to let the opportunity of points slip by.”

Williams Press Release

Following Alex Albon’s accident during FP1 at the Australian Grand Prix, Williams Racing confirms that due to the extensive damage sustained, it is forced to withdraw the chassis for the remainder of the Grand Prix. This chassis will be returned to the team’s HQ at Grove for repair.

Due to the fact that a third chassis is unavailable, the team can confirm it has taken the decision for Alex to compete for the remainder of the weekend in the chassis that Logan Sargeant drove in FP1 and FP2.

James Vowles, Team Principal: “We are hugely disappointed that the damage sustained to the chassis has meant we need to withdraw it from the weekend. It’s unacceptable in modern day Formula 1 not to have a spare chassis, but it is a reflection of how behind we were in the winter period and an illustration of why we need to go through significant change in order to get ourselves in a better position for the future. As a result, we have had some very difficult decisions to make this afternoon.

While Logan should not have to suffer from a mistake that he did not make, every race counts when the midfield is tighter than ever, so we have made the call based on our best potential to score points this weekend. This decision was not made lightly, and we cannot thank Logan enough for his graceful acceptance, demonstrating his dedication to the team; he is a true team player. This will prove a tough weekend for Williams, and this situation is not one that we will put ourselves in again.”

Alex Albon: “I have to be totally honest and say that no driver would want to give up his seat. I would never want anything like this to happen. Logan has always been a consummate professional and a team player from day one, and this won’t be an easy one for him to take. At this point though, I cannot dwell on the situation and my only job now is to maximize our potential this weekend and work with the whole team to make sure we do the best job possible.”

Logan Sargeant: “This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it’s absolutely not easy. I am however, completely here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way that I can this weekend to maximize what we can do.”