Alex Albon frustrated by lack of COTA rhythm as Williams eyes reset for Mexico GP
Alex Albon has lamented a lack of “rhythm with the circuit” during the United States Grand Prix despite having “good pace”.
The Williams driver finished the grand prix in 14th after qualifying in 19th. While he had more success in the sprint race on Saturday, picking up three points with a sixth-place finish, Albon revealed that he wasn’t “clicking in the corners”.
“A frustrating day. We started on the hard tyre, which is usually a good option when the track is this hot. But we had no grip and effectively did another stop early in the race,” the Thai driver explained.
“We actually had good pace but it was a bit scrappy at times and we just weren’t clicking in the corners. This weekend I didn’t feel like I was in rhythm with the circuit, but at least we came out of the sprint with a few points and some key learnings.
“Next time out in Mexico we just need to tidy a few things up and hopefully have a smooth weekend.”
It was a similarly frustrating weekend for Albon’s team-mate Carlos Sainz. After he celebrated a third-place finish in the sprint race on Saturday, a crash with Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli ended his United States Grand Prix outing early and resulted in a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix.
“Part of the reason why I’m in motorsport is you can have some fantastic days with the highest highs, and then just 24 hours later, you can walk away with nothing, as we are today. And that’s the reflection of Austin,” team chief James Vowles said.
Alexander Albon, Williams
Photo by: David Buono – Icon Sportswire – Getty Images
“What’s positive to me is we have really strong car pace, and that’s one item that we’ll carry through for the remainder of the season. But it just highlights that we have to qualify both cars in position towards the point-scoring end of the grid, and we need to ensure we’re fighting through the field without contact or incident.
“I’m sorry for both Carlos and Kimi, both had good race pace today and I’m confident would have scored points, but it is just a part of racing that, as you’re trying to overtake through different sections, contact may happen. The stewards have decided to hand Carlos a 5 place grid penalty, there was a sensible conversation however the guidelines are fairly clear on fault allocation. We will come back fighting in Mexico.”
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