Sargeant sidelined as damaged Albon inherits remaining chassis

Following Alex Albon’s accident during FP1 at the Australian Grand Prix, Williams Racing has made the “very difficult” decision to sideline Logan Sargeant to ensure its Thai team leader can race at Albert Park.

The call was due to the extensive damage sustained from Albon’s crash at turn 7, Williams has withdrawn the chassis for the remainder of the Grand Prix. It will be returned to the team’s HQ at Grove for repair.

Due to the fact that a third chassis is unavailable, the team has decided Albon will compete for the remainder of the weekend in the chassis that Sargeant drove in FP1 and FP2. As a result, the American will not qualify or race and only 19 cars will start the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.

Alex Albon assesses the damage.

Williams Team Principal James Vowles said it was far from an easy call and praised Sargeant for being a “team player”.

“We are hugely disappointed that the damage sustained to the chassis has meant we need to withdraw it from the weekend,” he said.

“It’s unacceptable in modern day Formula 1 not to have a spare chassis, but it is a reflection of how behind we were in the winter period and an illustration of why we need to go through significant change in order to get ourselves in a better position for the future.

“As a result, we have had some very difficult decisions to make this afternoon. While Logan should not have to suffer from a mistake that he did not make, every race counts when the midfield is tighter than ever, so we have made the call based on our best potential to score points this weekend.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing during the Australian GP. Image: Simon Galloway / LAT Images.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we cannot thank Logan enough for his graceful acceptance, demonstrating his dedication to the team; he is a true team player.

“This will prove a tough weekend for Williams, and this situation is not one that we will put ourselves in again.”

Albon thanked Sargeant for handing over his car.

“I have to be totally honest and say that no driver would want to give up his seat,” he said.

“I would never want anything like this to happen. Logan has always been a consummate professional and a team player from day one, and this won’t be an easy one for him to take.

“At this point though, I cannot dwell on the situation and my only job now is to maximise our potential this weekend and work with the whole team to make sure we do the best job possible.”

Sargeant said it is the low point of his career.

“This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it’s absolutely not easy,” he said.

“I am however completely here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way that I can this weekend to maximise what we can do.”

Image by Peter Norton/EPIC Sports Photography

2024 Australian Grand Prix schedule (AEDT)

Friday, March 22

Practice 1: 1: L. Norris 2: M. Verstappen 3: G. Russell

Practice 2: 1: C. Leclerc 2: M. Verstappen 3: C. Sainz

Saturday, March 23

Practice 3: 12.30-13.30

Qualifying: 16.00-17.00

Sunday, March 24

Grand Prix: 15.00

Don’t forget the latest issue of Auto Action available via subscription here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – the only place you’ll get to read the full story. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.