Alex Albon has unfortunately announced that he will not be able to participate in the São Paulo Grand Prix. Following a severe crash in the final qualifying session, his FW46 is reportedly so damaged that he will have to miss the main race. With only a few hours between Q3 and the start of the race, there’s nothing the Williams mechanics can do for Albon. “This can’t be repaired,” he responded.
Reporters from Viaplay asked Alex Albon about his severe crash in Q3 after the qualifying round. Footage shows that the rear of the Williams FW46 is heavily damaged. The British-Thai driver had to settle for the seventh time, but confirmed himself that he will not participate in the Grand Prix. “I’m out, for sure,” he said, defeated. “This damage really can’t be repaired.”
This would mean that Max Verstappen moves up another spot on the grid. Lance Stroll already caused a red flag in the second qualifying session, which meant the Dutchman could not get further than P12. With the grid penalty he received this weekend for the new power unit in his RB20, he moves up another five places to the seventeenth starting spot. However, reportedly Carlos Sainz will start from the pit lane this afternoon – after a crash in Q2, his Ferrari needs a new engine and a new gearbox. Due to the actions of Albon and Sainz, Verstappen will likely start from P15.
