"Rookie error" states Albon after qualifying crash in Baku

By Maham Mir

Alex Albon on track during FP3 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Credit: Formula One

After an unfortunate but costly crash in qualifying, Alex Albon failed to progress into Q2 and ultimately qualified at the back of the grid in P20. For the Williams driver who finished in the top 10 for all three practice sessions this weekend, the crash and its consequences were a disappointment to what could have been a surefire way to set up a successful Sunday . 

Clipping the wall going into Turn 1, Albon damaged his car and was unable to even drive his Williams back to the garage. Following the crash, Albon stated that it was “a bit (of a) rookie error, let’s say.” 

When asked about what caused the crash, he explained that ​​“I can’t blame anyone but myself. It was a bit of a silly error. It’s a shame because we’ve been really quick all weekend.” 

Both Albon and teammate Carlos Sainz demonstrated considerable pace in all three practice sessions. Although Albon was the first car on track for Q1, he was relegated to the sidelines for Q2 and Q3 after the incident. Unlike Albon, Sainz was able to progress into Q3 and ultimately qualified on the front row in P2.

After scoring 70 points out of Williams’s total of 86 points this year, Albon has undoubtedly been enjoying a successful season so far. Having now achieved the third highest race starts for Williams in their history, his experience and position within the team has greatly contributed to their move up the grid. 

Albon’s disappointment about the crash aside, he will be aiming to bounce back in Sunday’s Grand Prix where he will be hoping to add to the points tally for Williams and strengthen their position in the World Constructors’ Championship.