Albon ruled out of Brazilian GP after heavy crash

Alex Albon has been ruled out of the Brazilian Grand Prix, following his heavy crash in qualifying. 

The Williams driver crashed at the first corner with just under four minutes remaining in Q3 at a soaked Interlagos circuit. 

Albon clipped the edge of the track which spun his FW46, resulting in a big impact with the barrier. 

It caused significant damage to his car, to the extent that Albon said himself after qualifying that there was “no way” he would be taking part in the race. 

Albon’s team-mate Franco Colapinto also crashed during qualifying, with the Argentine’s accident having occurred during Q1. However, Colapinto will start the race. 

A Williams statement read: “In Qualifying earlier this morning, ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, Williams Racing sustained significant accident damage to both cars following incidents in the inclement weather conditions. 

“Unfortunately, after assessing the extensive damage sustained to Alex Albon’s car, the required repairs could not be completed in the short window of time between Qualifying and the Race. The team is therefore forced to withdraw Alex’s car for the remainder of the Grand Prix. 

“Franco Colapinto will compete in this afternoon’s Grand Prix.”