F1: Williams Chassis Woes Continue After Albon's Crash, Sent Back to UK for Repairs Ahead of Chinese GP
Williams had their third major accident during the Japanese Grand Prix. After making contact with Daniel Ricciardo's RB, Albon speared beneath the tyre wall, damaging the front-right side of the chassis.
By Divyam Dubey
Several upgrades to Williams cars were destroyed in recent crashes, according to James Vowles. Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant had substantial collisions throughout the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, escalating the team's problems. Previously, Albon crashed his Williams FW46 in Australia and damaged the chassis. Following contact with Daniel Ricciardo's RB, Albon collided with the tyre wall, damaging the chassis on the right. Because of this, the team doesn't have a backup until Miami. Nonetheless, they're optimistic about the restoration of the chassis and its timely preparation for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Ricciardo and Williams driver Alex Albon were involved in a parallel contest at Suzuka's initial chicane, resulting in a collision that propelled both cars into the barriers at the third bend. Ricciardo's subtle shift towards the front of Albon's car certainly worsened the impact, even though Albon was mostly hidden from Ricciardo's view on the right-rear side. After the incident, the race was momentarily halted under a red flag as authorities evaluated the extent of the damage to the tyre barrier.
F1: Toll on Williams
The recent string of collisions over two race weekends greatly reduced the Williams car's stock of parts following the installation of upgraded components.
Due to Albon's car needing to be repaired after the Japanese Grand Prix incident, getting a replacement chassis may experience setbacks. Vowles stated on F1TV that the series of recent collisions has presented significant difficulties for Williams, particularly given their limited availability of only two chassis. The production of a third chassis has been postponed due to the crash in Australia.
Williams might not be the only team having these problems, since other Formula 1 teams have said they haven't taken extra chassis. When asked about a spare tyre for the Japanese Grand Prix, Alpine team principal Bruno Famin revealed that they did not bring one, but claimed that they will have one available for the next race.
The upcoming Chinese Grand Prix is set to happen in just two weeks, from April 19th to April 21st.
