Williams’ season was marked by crashes and financial challenges. After a series of costly incidents, the team appealed to the FIA for relief under the strict cost cap. However, their hopes for any concession were firmly rejected, further complicating an already difficult situation.
Kosten stapelen zich op
Williams’ season was marked by at least 16 major crashes, with an absolute low point during the São Paulo Grand Prix. In a single day, both Alexander Albon and teammate Franco Colapinto damaged their cars, resulting in an estimated cost of nearly four million dollars. The chaos in Brazil followed a crash by Albon during qualifying, preventing him from starting. Teammate Colapinto even crashed twice.
Damage was also unavoidable in Las Vegas. The team worked tirelessly to prepare two cars after previous crashes, but Colapinto again damaged his car during qualifying. This led to Williams having to conclude the season in Abu Dhabi with only one spare front wing. Fortunately, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix went without incidents.
FIA wijst verzoek af
In an attempt to stay within the cost cap, Williams made a request to the FIA to write off part of the damage. The FIA rejected the request for a concession, stating that most incidents were due to errors by the drivers: Albon, Colapinto, and former Williams driver Logan Sargeant. This puts Williams in a difficult situation, as the budget surplus next season could have consequences, including possible fines or restrictions.
