In the second practice session of the Australian Grand Prix, Williams driver Alex Albon crashed in between the barriers at turn seven of Albert Park.
Albon caused irreparable damage to the car and was forced to retire from not only the session but also his vehicle was unable to continue for the remainder of the weekend.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles announced that the team did not have a spare chassis (the ‘skeleton’ or internal framing of the car) available to replace the damage to Albon’s car, therefore he would take control of teammate Logan Sargeant’s car.
The driver swap, while completely legal according to the FIA, caused outrage among fans, insisting that the American is the only party not at fault in the unfortunate situation – but he would unfairly sit out the rest of the weekend to allow Albon to continue.
Williams was not organised enough to have a spare chassis, on-site and still may not have one available until the Chinese Grand Prix, and Albon crashed his car in a practice session, handicapping the rest of the team for the remainder of the weekend.
Albon has taken to social media to express his respect for his teammate, and Vowles has openly expressed his fault within the situation.
However, neither of these disguises the fact that Sargeant has been, to put it lightly, screwed over by the team.
The final standings in the Melbourne Grand Prix saw Albon take 11th, just outside the points.
Vowles now has to decide whether to continue with Albon as their only driver – or hand the car back and give Sargeant a chance at the Japanese GP in just over a week.
Albon’s performance has led many to believe Sargeant will be the one suiting up and racing in Suzuka.
But my question is, how are you going to ask a driver to improve – both performance-wise and mentally – and then remove him from racing for something that wasn’t his fault, and not have it affect him?
Logan Sargeant of United States and Williams looks on in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
While his rookie season may have been uninspiring to the hearts of Williams fans, the team has expressed their constant support of the driver despite his response.
If Sargeant were to continue to drive last weekend, his confidence could have improved greatly.
It would reinforce the belief that he is worthy of his seat, and could definitely improve his performances in the future.
Vowles emphasised that Albon was put in the car to account for the small point differences that decide between millions of dollars. But using this opportunity to future-proof the driver lineup by improving Sargeant’s confidence, Williams’ points could shoot them up into the upper-mid pack of the leaderboard.
Formula 1 is a sport, but the sponsorship is almost as crucial to the success of the team as the drivers are.
Many of Williams’ American sponsors that Sargeant brought with him to the team invest because they want to see an American race, especially in response to the growth in popularity in his country.
This could also have an influence on Vowles’ decision in the near future – given how the situation panned out in Melbourne.
There is no denying that Sargeant has been unfairly treated by his own team, and it begs the question of whether it leads to a possible move in the future for the American.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I can see him at Haas. Plenty of US money will follow him. Claire Williams was awful and Vowles ain't looking much better thus far.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
As much as Logan cops it for his performances, he's a consummate professional for still turning up for the rest of the weekend to do the Melbourne Walk and other event activations. It was a bit poor though, not have him included on the driver's parade.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Spot on. They dug the whole, took the risk, Albon exposed the problem and poor old Logan takes the whack. He should have walked, got on a plane and left. Disgraceful treatment. Williams did not win a point, Sargeant could have done that with ease!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I'd also argue that Haas is a logical fit and the two guys there are nearing the end of the road.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I saw the decision as one of the most ridiculous I've seen in all world sport. Vowles claimed "We need to have the driver with the best chance to score points." I'd argue the guy who slammed the car into the Melbourne walls two years in a row might not be the best guy for the job. Sargeant should have headed to the airport and left. The damage to his confidence could be severe and he would have been entitled to ask if he has the full support of the team. He could have a real future in the sport, he is unquestionably talented and deserves to be in his car, one he had not destroyed and Albon should have sat out, potentially pondering as to where his career is headed. Build up a young driver, reward their effort and show integrity. Sure, if Albon had won a point and Vowles looks a genius. But at what expense for their second driver?
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
It's poor of Williams to not have a spare chassis yes, but it is due to the bizarre set of circumstances and the risk that they took has ultimately backfired. Yes, the Excel spreadsheets can be attributed to this. Because James Vowles, Pat Fry and co decided over the off-season to tear apart the Williams F1 procedures manual and start from scratch - they've all been stretched to the point where in order to upgrade/improve a process for the future - they had to compromise on dedicating resources to build that third chassis for the opening handful of rounds. Vowles himself acknowledged that in Melbourne and wasn't certainly hiding from his own deciding making and took full accountability. As much as it sucks for Logan and its unheard of in modern F1 of drivers having to give up their cars for their teammate - it all comes back to the that fact Williams have long been in a hole and somebody has finally come along to burst their way out of it. Even if it means ruffling some feathers along the way.
Sarah Thomas
Roar Rookie
Sauber could definitely go in for Sargeant if you consider the American sponsorship that comes with it, especially with Audi planning to take over 100% of Sauber. I absolutely agree with your opinion on Suzuka, there is no way Vowles would keep him out of his own car twice.
Blink
Roar Rookie
A possible move where Sarah. Sargeant is not a wanted driver among other F1 teams. I thought it was the right move at the time to try and get points. But I heard Windsor say Sargeant should have been on the first plane home and cancelling his next payment, given that he is a paying driver. Sargeant has often shown he has good pace and his crashes last season are not unusual for first year drivers. And as you say it does nothing for his confidence to be dumped due to Albons own mistake. It's very poor of Williams not to have a spare chassis (apparently Alpine don't either) in Australia but surely they could at least get one to Japan in time. If not I presume Sargeant will get his car back, and Albon will have to sit it out.