Troubles continue for under-fire driver as crash in qualifying raises alarm bells
Logan Sergeant Displays Crimson Banners in Qualifying’s Inaugural Stages, Culminating in Mishap at Session’s Climax
The American driver, currently contending for his F1 future with a prospective seat at Williams in 2024, found himself eliminated from Qualifying merely nine minutes before the end of Q1.
In an attempt reminiscent of Timo Glock’s Qualifying crash in 2009, Sergeant emerged from the clutches of misfortune as he sprinted upon the grass after his tangle with the barrier, unable to regain control of his car before the left flank succumbed to gravity’s force.
Sergeant’s Form in a State of Perplexity
Last month, following his exclusion from the Dutch Grand Prix due to a loss of control in Q3, Sergeant faced the repercussions of his error, causing consternation among his mechanics, who appeared visibly frustrated with the prospect of rebuilding the car before Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Having freed himself from his injured Williams, Sergeant crossed the track and returned to the pits as marshals began the task of clearing the debris and preparing to transport the car on a truck.
Fifteen minutes later, the final nine minutes of Q1 resumed, with Sergeant now either guaranteed to start from the back or, possibly, needing to dismantle William’s precarious conditions through a reconstruction – a plausible scenario.
Sergeant’s mistake could not have come at a worse time for his future, as Williams’ boss, James Walls, struggled to hide his disappointment when speaking to Sky F1 after the incident.
Troubles continue for under-fire driver as crash in qualifying raises alarm bells
“For the people in the garage, and for the people back in Loughborough, it’s a heartbreaking thing,” said James Walls.
He was milliseconds away from colliding with Alex Albon as he exited the final corner, and as soon as he reached the grass, he experienced a wheel slip that propelled him at speeds exceeding 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, abruptly ending the race.
The element of disappointment in all this is that it’s a lot of work overnight, but what’s even more crucial is that Logan has put in the preparation this week and begun to achieve some good pace. We can’t have it all at once.
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