Williams’ Alex Albon Faces Pitlane Start at Spanish Grand Prix Due to Technical Penalty
In a disappointing twist for the Williams team, Alex Albon will be forced to start from the pitlane for the Spanish Grand Prix, following a penalty for exceeding his allocated battery and control electronics for the 2024 season. The Anglo-Thai driver had qualified 19th on the grid, locked out with teammate Logan Sargeant at the back of the field.
Albon, who started strong in Q1, reaching as high as 12th, was ultimately bumped out of the first qualifying session due to an off-peak run-plan by Williams, making him vulnerable to other drivers improving in the final stage. He finished just a second shy of Lewis Hamilton’s Q1-leading time.
“It highlights how strong the midfield is now; my car felt good, my balance felt good,” Albon reflected on the tight margins among midfielders. “I don’t think tyre-wise we were in an optimal position. I felt like we underheated the tyres a little bit, so Turn 1, Turn 2, I was struggling a bit with balance. And then after that, I was happy with the lap. But that’s what it is now. It’s so close out there.”
The FIA stewards’ report stated that Albon’s team had replaced his power unit elements without approval, violating Article 40.3 of the 2024 Formula One Sporting Regulations. As a result, Albon’s car will be required to start the race from the pitlane, according to Article 40.9.
Adding to the team’s woes, Sargeant, who qualified slowest, will receive a three-place grid drop for blocking Lance Stroll in qualifying at Turn 10. However, Albon’s penalty will bump Sargeant up a position on the grid.
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