In the upcoming Suzuka race, Logan Sargeant is anticipated to take his place on the grid for Williams, with team principal James Vowles expressing his optimism, stating, “I’m confident” the team will present a car for Sargeant to compete in. The decision to reallocate Sargeant’s car to the other side of the garage after Alex Albon’s high speed crash during the Melbourne practice sessions sparked widespread debate.
This week, Dr Helmut Marko from Red Bull highlighted the competitive challenges faced by the lower-ranking teams in Formula 1, stating, “It’s incredibly hard for the bottom five teams to finish in the points.” He further elaborated on his understanding of Williams’ strategic choices, saying, “Albon is the much stronger driver and a championship point can be worth $10 million. In that respect, it was a logical thing.”
Concerns have been raised over Williams’ lack of a spare chassis well into the current season, with no third monocoque available for the Japanese Grand Prix—an oversight that has not gone unnoticed. Rumors have surfaced suggesting Williams might be unable to mend Albon’s primary chassis in time for the Suzuka event, potentially leaving Sargeant without a drive yet again.
Despite these challenges, Vowles revealed late Wednesday that efforts to repair the chassis are underway, with the damaged vehicle having arrived at the Grove factory at 2am on Monday. The repair process involves extensive work, as Vowles admitted, “The engine mounts were completely bent. The front right corner, where the suspension goes in, is torn apart – I could put my finger into the chassis at that point.”
Nevertheless, Vowles remains optimistic about the situation, adding, “We’re in a good place for having the chassis back early enough for Suzuka. So we’ll have two cars there without too many issues,” highlighting the team’s determination to overcome the setbacks and compete effectively in the upcoming Grand Prix.
GMM
