P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sargeant to race repaired F1 car in Suzuka; no spare Williams until Miami
Following Alex Albon’s crash during FP1 at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit, Williams Racing had to operate with only one car for the rest of the weekend, as they did not have a spare chassis readily available. With the damaged FW46 sent back to the UK for repair, Williams withdrew driver Sargeant from the event to accommodate Albon in the remaining car, aiming to maximize their chances in the competitive midfield. Though the damaged monocoque has since been repaired and will be back in action at the upcoming Suzuka event, Williams does not anticipate having a spare tub on-site until the Miami race in May. Despite the repair work adding only 100 grams to the chassis, Team Principal James Vowles clarified that the damage was limited to a suspension insert with no structural cracks, ensuring that drivers should not feel any difference between the two cars. Sargeant acknowledged the challenges of managing spare parts shortage at Williams and emphasized the team’s dedication to improving their preparedness moving forward into the season. Although Williams has yet to define a plan for a similar incident in Japan without a standby car, Sargeant stressed the necessity to maintain confidence and commitment in driving without being overly cautious, given the competitive nature of Formula 1. He expressed understanding towards the strategic decision to prioritize Albon’s entry in Australia and remains focused on delivering strong performances despite the team’s challenges.
