Williams faces a challenge, with its spare chassis not ready until the Miami GP, after a crash and repair delays.
Williams was only able to field a single car in Australia following Alex Albon’s significant crash during the first free practice session.
The delayed construction of the FW46, as Williams sought to modify its construction process as part of its long-term plans, prevented the team from preparing a spare chassis in time.
Repairing the damaged chassis, ensuring Williams two cars for Japan, meant that the initial intention of having a spare chassis was pushed back to China. However, it is now understood that the spare chassis will only be ready by Miami.
Logan Sargeant, who did not participate in the last race, will receive the repaired chassis, with Albon using the chassis he drove in Australia, which was originally Sargeant’s.
“I’m getting the repaired car simply because the workload to get the cars set up for each driver would be too much for the mechanics. But the chassis repair went better than expected, so it should be perfectly normal as far as I know.”
“I believe it’s only 100 grams heavier due to the repairs. So, practically nothing.”
Sargeant, who took a holiday in Bali between Australia and Japan to take a break from Formula 1, asserts that the ongoing lack of a spare chassis cannot alter the approach taken by Williams drivers.
“Once again, it’s a situation we’ve had to deal with over the first three races. We went to Saudi Arabia in the same situation, and of course, it’s one of those things where you know you have to be cautious, but at the same time, you can’t be.”
“This is Formula 1, if you’re cautious, you’re nowhere. So, it’s not even a question. You have to be committed, confident, and hope everything goes well!”
Although James Vowles’ decision was heartbreaking for Sargeant in Australia, he blames no one.
“I think you always have to look at what’s best for the team. Of course, as a driver, you want to race, but at the same time, I know everyone is working as hard as possible.”
“I don’t blame anyone, I know everyone is doing their best, and I make mistakes, the team makes mistakes, but we move forward.”
“I think what’s funny is probably feeling better psychologically. After a week off, you see things from a different perspective.”
“As I said, I’ve had a decent start to the year, it hasn’t manifested in qualifications yet. I think it would have in Melbourne. So I continue with the mindset that I’m close to where I need to be. It has to, it’s going to start this weekend.”
Williams’ Spare Chassis Dilemma Ahead of Miami GP. Williams’ Spare Chassis Dilemma Ahead of Miami GP
- ReadMore>Hamilton’s Farewell Fury: Eyeing 8th Glory
- Following us on Facebook and Twitter
