Australian GP: Alex Albon to Race in Logan Sargeant's Chassis Following Crash in Practice

Following the crash of Alex Albon’s Williams’ in the first practice for the Australian GP today, it has been reported that Logan Sargeant will be withdrawn from the upcoming Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The change comes as a result of Williams’ inability to fix all the damage that Albon’s car has incurred as a result of his terrifying smash during practice.

To rectify the situation of their ace driver, Williams has decided to use Sargeant’s chassis for the remainder of the Australian GP weekend, meaning that Sargeant will be rendered unavailable to race.

“This is the hardest moment I can remember in my career and it is absolutely not easy. I am however completely here for the team and will continue to contribute in any way I can this weekend to maximise what we can do,” stated Sargeant.

In an eventful first practice, Williams’ Alex Albon smashed into the wall at turn 8.

It caused heavy damage on the right side of his car and left debris littering the track. Albon was uninjured but did not compete in FP2 as Williams assessed the carnage.

There were several other mishaps in a reminder of the dangers of a track that witnessed multiple crashes last year, with just 12 drivers completing the race.

Under blue skies, Valtteri Bottas and Perez led the way out of the pits as the lights went green, with the Red Bull driver setting the pace.

But he was quickly bettered by Alonso and a host of others.

The times kept coming down with Stroll on top at the halfway mark.

Leclerc then took control and Verstappen began ominously climbing the leaderboard when he switched to softs, but the Dutchman was unable to better his rival.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to get the better of defending champion Max Verstappen, owing partly to the 22-minute late start the Red Bull driver had incurred as a result of running his car over a curb late in the first practice, thereby damaging the floor of the car.

(with inputs from agencies)