Franco Colapinto’s Las Vegas race remains uncertain after a severe 50G crash, leaving Williams F1 with extensive repairs ahead.
Franco Colapinto outpaced Alex Albon by advancing to Q2, while the Thai driver posted the 18th fastest time in Las Vegas qualifying. However, the young Argentine from Williams F1 hit the wall in the high-speed corner leading to the circuit’s final straight, sending his FW46 into a violent spin.
The car lifted off the ground, with its right side almost entirely torn off. Colapinto exited the car on his own but was taken to the medical center for evaluation. Due to the severity of the impact, he has yet to receive medical clearance to race.
“During qualifying, Franco sustained a significant impact exceeding 50G, requiring medical assessment,” Williams said in a statement. “An impact of this magnitude is obviously substantial and severe.”
“He will need to be re-evaluated tomorrow before we can confirm if he is fit to race. Franco’s health is all that matters, and we are glad he is otherwise doing well. We will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Albon, who had one of his laps deleted, believes he had the pace to make it out of Q1, which adds to his frustration: “We could have easily progressed.”
“I went out on track, and there were lots of cars warming up their tires. I should have gone faster to prepare mine. Through the first three corners, I was already six or seven tenths slower than my previous lap, so it was over from the start.”
Despite this, Albon remains hopeful for tomorrow’s race: “I’m optimistic, I think it will be fine. But I’m lacking track time, so it won’t be easy.”
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Williams Scramble for Repairs as Colapinto Awaits Clearance Williams Scramble for Repairs as Colapinto Awaits Clearance
