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Williams F1 Cut from Q2 at Hungary GP Amid Traffic

Albon, Sargeant Upset as Traffic Halts Q2 Progress

20/07/2024

Traffic woes at the Hungarian GP ended Williams F1’s Q2 hopes, leaving Albon and Sargeant visibly frustrated.

Alex Albon believes that reaching Q3 was achievable in Hungary this Saturday. The Williams F1 driver was convinced of this potential, as the car demonstrated considerable speed during the free practice sessions. He felt more could have been achieved than their Q2 elimination.

“It’s frustrating. The entire session was complicated by the weather, which was the same for everyone. In Q1, we stayed on track too long, and our strategy wasn’t ideal. But in Q2, we had a new set of tyres, and it was a significant step forward, but then we encountered traffic,” Albon explained.

“We lost time in Sector 2, where we had been quick all weekend, but not in qualifying when it mattered. We’re kicking ourselves because we know we could have reached Q3 with a clean lap.”

“We can be optimistic, my race pace was good on Friday, and I think we can maintain that tomorrow. The Red Bulls are quick, so we’ll need to watch out for them; we’re competing against them for ninth or tenth place this weekend.”

Sargeant criticises deliberate traffic

Logan Sargeant criticised the behaviour of other drivers, who blocked him without effectively preventing him from passing, merely by disrupting his airflow—a tactic that frustrates the American on track.

“It was hectic. I was pleased with that first lap when there was a bit of rain. I wasn’t happy with my mistake, but the team did a fantastic job. But ultimately, I think we had more pace than that,” stated an irate Sargeant.

“I encountered dirty air in all sectors. Everyone knows what they’re doing, but no one will ever be penalized for it. They stay in front far longer than needed, throwing dirty air on your front wing and costing you several tenths. I’m disappointed for myself and for the team, but we’ll move on.”

“This happens often, it’s been happening a lot this year. We all know how to do it, we all know how to make it not look too bad. It’s crucial on a track like this because the overheating then affects the entire lap.”

Williams F1 Cut from Q2 at Hungary GP Amid Traffic

Williams F1 Cut from Q2 at Hungary GP Amid Traffic Williams F1 Cut from Q2 at Hungary GP Amid Traffic

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