In an eventful weekend for Williams at the Japanese Grand Prix in SUZUKA, Japan, F1 driver Logan Sargeant was involved in a brutal crash. Thankfully, the team’s car, previously damaged at the Australian Grand Prix by teammate Alex Albon, seemed to have survived the crash. Sargeant had been navigating the uphill Dunlop section when the incident occurred, sparking fears of exacerbated damage.
The initial diagnosis from the Williams team suggested that the car’s chassis had survived. However, they faced a significant repair undertaking. Unfortunately, a spare chassis for the drivers won’t be available until the Miami Grand Prix slated for early May.
James Vowles, team boss, commented on the severity of the crash and its implications. He added, “It’s pretty significant. The chassis is OK, fortunately, but I would say pretty much everything else isn’t. So suspension all-round, gearbox cracked, big damage.”
As a consequence of the collision, Sargeant was unable to participate in the second practice on Friday. Consequently, the Williams team had to work relentlessly to get the car ready for the final practice and the Saturday qualifying.
The unfortunate incident with Sargeant brings his confidence into question, particularly after the blow to the team when Alex Albon had a crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit last month. Post Albon’s crash, Williams was left with just one chassis leading to Sargeant’s race being noticeably compromised so that his teammate could compete.
The dynamics between Albon and Sargeant have been interesting to witness. Since Albon joined, he’s outscored Sargeant 27-1. Williams believes that the Thai driver holds a better chance of registering a top-ten finish.
However, Vowles categorically denied the idea that Sargeant’s crash was a sign of his dwindling confidence. “I’ve been chatting to him all week, all these last few weeks in fact…he was honestly in a very good state of mind this week and last night again when I called him around 9-10pm, really, really strong state of mind,” Vowles shared.
Sargeant’s eagerness was evident in his attitude. He was raring to get back on the track, not to prove his worth but in his usual, zealous approach to the sport. Vowles further claimed that Sargeant’s mistake was unrelated to him being under pressure. Instead, it was more of a rare, unforeseen circumstance that could have happened at any time.