Williams experienced one of their worst weekends in recent memory at Interlagos. Not only have Albon and Colapinto’s crashes put huge strain on their budget, but Alpine secured massive points with a double-podium. Team principal James Vowles admits the situation is dire.
A nightmare weekend puts Williams on the backfoot
At various stages this year, Williams have dominated F1 news headlines.
Logan Sargeant’s withdrawal in Australia, the resurgence of Franco Colapinto and acquisition of Carlos Sainz all represent pivotal moments for the team.
However, the Brazilian GP weekend is arguably the most consequential of the weekend.
Two crashes from Franco Colapinto (qualifying and race) in addition to Albon’s qualifying crash are tremendously damaging.
Going into this weekend, Williams were already on the limit of the budget gap. No team has sustained a higher cost from damages in 2024.
To have three major crashes over the last 24 hours, simply put, is devastating.
Not only are Williams facing an uphill battle to produce spare parts for the next race, but their entire 2024 budget is compromised.
James Vowles reflects on disastrous race
Following a catastrophic few days, team principal James Vowles offers his thoughts:
“We’ve had three incredibly large crashes in just a few hours from one another, and have a tremendous amount of work to get ourselves back on top of our spares situation before we go to Las Vegas in just a few weeks’ time…
“We must go to every single one of these weekends now and deliver everything possible, whilst making sure we are still looking ahead towards 2025 and 2026.
“Because that, as I’ve said all along, is where our goal is truly set.
“It’s all about getting the foundations right as we go towards that 26’ region. That doesn’t make today any less painful. Far from it, I’m hurting right now.”
It would be unfair to say that Williams’ long-term aspirations are completely jeopardised by one race weekend.
The investment going into the Grove-based team will still put them in a good position to progress in 2026 and beyond.
With that said, this season’s campaign is turning into an ugly one. Williams are likely to finish the year in 9th, one position worse than last year.
Sacrifices will also have to be made over the next few months. Development for next year’s car will be affected by the need to produce spare parts for the coming rounds.
From a financial perspective, James Vowles also faces a significant damage bill to navigate.
