During FP1, Alex Albon remarkably ranked third fastest, reiterating the car’s speed in FP2, assisted to some degree by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari’s inability to complete a lap. While Albon has periodically made the top 10, rookie Logan Sargeant’s fifth-fastest speed in FP2 proved to be the standout performance of the season for the American, catching the eye of competitors.
Williams unveiled a new aero package in Montreal, where Albon secured a seventh place finish on a track not expected to benefit significantly from the high-speed corner performance updates.
The modified car’s potential was not evidently clear during the Austrian sprint weekend, although Albon managed to qualify 10th and subsequently had a decent race finishing 11th.
“We need to dissect the data and attempt to comprehend it,” Robson said to F1 Flow.com concerning the form at Silverstone.
“We did anticipate a slight improvement here at a high-speed circuit with the package we deployed in Canada. I don’t believe we witnessed its full potential until now.
“In Austria, the competition is stiff, the lap quite short. Hence, even with a performing vehicle, it’s very easy to get pushed down the leaderboard, commit errors, veer off the track.
Robson maintained that their performance in Austria was decent. He believes there’s more to achieving a good result there than just the car’s speed.
“Nonetheless, the day has turned out better than we expected. We have to delve into and understand that. It all boils down to the high-speed cornering performance,” Robson added.
Inquired about whether the Friday speed would alter the team’s strategy for Saturday, Robson emphasized the primary goal is to figure out why the car is so well-adapted to the track.
“It doesn’t change our approach,” he clarified. “In fact, analyzing the data tonight might be more crucial than after a challenging Friday.
“The key is to comprehend why it went well and ensure we don’t ruin it!”
Albon mirrored Robson’s sentiments about the unpredicted Silverstone speed.
“It was somewhat surprising,” he confessed. “I must say it was unforeseen. We’re not trying out odd things. It’s just a typical day for us, and we ended up in the top three after crossing the line. So it’s a bit baffling in some ways.
“However, the car feels good. We have an upgrade on the car for two races now. Based on the simulator, it appears to be more efficient at high speeds than low speeds.
“We haven’t really had too many high-speed tracks in the last two races, and it’s the first time we’ve seen the package functioning on a fast circuit. It’s looking quite promising, but we’ve got to stay humble. It’s a gradual process.”
Albon highlighted that strong winds are a challenge this weekend: “The wind is so strong this weekend, it’s not a pleasant experience. It’s awful for everyone, but seemingly less awful for us than others.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about British GP practice performance
What was Alex Albon’s rank during the FP1 and FP2?
Alex Albon remarkably ranked third fastest during both FP1 and FP2.
Who performed exceptionally well during FP2?
Rookie Logan Sargeant, who achieved the fifth fastest speed in FP2, stood out during the event.
What was introduced by Williams in Montreal?
Williams introduced a new aero package in Montreal that was aimed at high-speed corner performance.
How did the team perform during the Austrian sprint weekend?
During the Austrian sprint weekend, the team had a decent performance with Albon qualifying 10th and finishing 11th in the race.
What does Robson say about the performance at Silverstone?
Robson, the team’s representative, acknowledges that the performance at Silverstone was better than expected, attributing it to the car’s high-speed cornering performance.
Will the Friday pace change the team’s approach for Saturday?
No, the team’s approach for Saturday won’t change. Instead, they will focus more on analyzing the data to understand why the car performed so well.
How did Albon feel about the Silverstone pace?
Albon confessed that the pace at Silverstone was surprising and somewhat baffling, but he also noted that the car felt good.
What challenges did Albon highlight for the weekend?
Albon pointed out the challenge of strong winds during the weekend, describing it as an unpleasant experience for everyone.
More about British GP practice performance
- Alex Albon’s racing career
- Logan Sargeant’s racing profile
- Williams’ introduction of new aero package
- Williams Team performance review
- The Austrian Sprint Weekend
- The Silverstone Circuit
- Impact of weather on F1 racing
6 comments
didn’t expect Williams to do so well at Silverstone… weather conditions are wild though. Hope they keep up the momentum.
Wow Albon and Sargeant really stepping up their game huh? never saw this comin… good job guys!
can’t belive Albon ranked 3rd fastest, twice. Williams team might just be dark horses this season, who knows.
Albon sounds humble and focused. liking his attitude. Keep it up, mate!
it’s not just the car, it’s the driver too. Sargeant’s doing an impressive job for a rookie, props to him.
Williams new aero package seems to be doing wonders. can’t wait to see how it plays out over the season!