Williams confirm Albon to miss Sao Paulo Grand Prix after heavy qualifying crash

Williams have confirmed that Alex Albon will not be able to take part in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix following the significant damage sustained to his car during Sunday’s qualifying session.

Albon had progressed to Q3 and was up in second position on the timesheets when he lost control of his car under braking for the first corner and slammed into the barriers – causing damage to all four corners.

READ MORE: Norris beats Russell and Tsunoda to pole position in Sao Paulo amid five red flags in dramatic rain-affected qualifying

After assessing the car, Williams confirmed that Albon has been ruled out of the 71-lap encounter, leaving team mate Franco Colapinto – who will drive a repaired FW46 due to his own qualifying crash – as the team’s only representative in the race.

"In Qualifying earlier this morning, ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Williams Racing sustained significant accident damage to both cars following incidents in the inclement weather conditions," said the team in a statement.

"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."

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from a chaotic qualifying at Interlagos as Norris leads Russell and Tsunoda after multiple red flags

Williams Team Principal James Vowles also reacted to the news that Albon was out of the race, calling it a "heartbreaking" day for the team – particularly after the driver's DNF last weekend in Mexico from what was another promising starting grid slot.

“It’s a heartbreaking day for the team," said Vowles. "We’re here to go racing and nobody wants to be in this situation.

"The most important point is that all the drivers who had incidents in Qualifying are okay, including Alex and Franco. Despite the best efforts of our hard-working, talented and resilient team, there simply was not enough time to repair Alex’s car in time for the Grand Prix.

"It’s a bitter pill to swallow at the end of a tough triple-header, especially when both drivers showed tremendous pace this morning. We will focus on maximising this afternoon with Franco and putting on a show for the incredible fans here in Brazil.”