Williams issues ‘frustration’ plea after series of F1 crashes
Williams team principal James Vowles has detailed how he will lift
the spirit of the team following a difficult weekend in Brazil.
During qualifying at Interlagos, both Alex Albon and Franco
Colapinto crashed with the former forced to withdraw from the grand
prix due to the damage sustained to his car. Colapinto endured
another hefty crash during the race, with the three incidents
adding to the two clashes Albon was involved in one week earlier in
Mexico. Vowles described the cost of the shunts as “brutal” ahead
of the final three rounds of the ongoing season. But despite the
pain of the incidents, Vowles insisted it was a “blip” as it
targets long-term progress. “I came here to win races with
Williams,” Vowles said. “I came here to watch Williams, a
championship team that is the second most successful team in the
sport, come back to the front. So a weekend like this is a blip.
“It’s part of a journey, but it is not our destination. I said all
along that 2023, 2024 and 2025 don’t have the material impact on us
as a team. 2026, 2027 and 2028 do. “It’s a long way away, but it’s
investment in the future, and it’s making sure we’re doing the
right things for the continued success of the team rather than one
race weekend.” Williams is currently on course to end the season
ninth in the constructors’ having dropped behind Alpine following
the Enstone-based squad’s double podium result in Sao Paulo. Its
loss of championship position served as another painful moment for
the squad during a difficult Brazil weekend. However, Vowles
insisted Williams will use the circumstance as a moment to reflect
on the future as it aims to climb the F1 pecking order. “In no time
has our destination changed,” Vowles said. “I still know where
we’re going and we know how we’re going to achieve that and get
there. “So as painful as this weekend is, that reminder towards
where we’re going brings everyone to a level where they understand
why it’s just a part of our journey. “I’d also say that the pain
and frustration, use it positively. “As frustrating as it is, you
want to look back on this in the future and remember it as just a
part of what we had to go through to be successful.”
the spirit of the team following a difficult weekend in Brazil.
During qualifying at Interlagos, both Alex Albon and Franco
Colapinto crashed with the former forced to withdraw from the grand
prix due to the damage sustained to his car. Colapinto endured
another hefty crash during the race, with the three incidents
adding to the two clashes Albon was involved in one week earlier in
Mexico. Vowles described the cost of the shunts as “brutal” ahead
of the final three rounds of the ongoing season. But despite the
pain of the incidents, Vowles insisted it was a “blip” as it
targets long-term progress. “I came here to win races with
Williams,” Vowles said. “I came here to watch Williams, a
championship team that is the second most successful team in the
sport, come back to the front. So a weekend like this is a blip.
“It’s part of a journey, but it is not our destination. I said all
along that 2023, 2024 and 2025 don’t have the material impact on us
as a team. 2026, 2027 and 2028 do. “It’s a long way away, but it’s
investment in the future, and it’s making sure we’re doing the
right things for the continued success of the team rather than one
race weekend.” Williams is currently on course to end the season
ninth in the constructors’ having dropped behind Alpine following
the Enstone-based squad’s double podium result in Sao Paulo. Its
loss of championship position served as another painful moment for
the squad during a difficult Brazil weekend. However, Vowles
insisted Williams will use the circumstance as a moment to reflect
on the future as it aims to climb the F1 pecking order. “In no time
has our destination changed,” Vowles said. “I still know where
we’re going and we know how we’re going to achieve that and get
there. “So as painful as this weekend is, that reminder towards
where we’re going brings everyone to a level where they understand
why it’s just a part of our journey. “I’d also say that the pain
and frustration, use it positively. “As frustrating as it is, you
want to look back on this in the future and remember it as just a
part of what we had to go through to be successful.”
Fergal Walsh
Go to seatrade maritime