Alex Albon believes there was nobody to blame following his lap 1 crash with RB’s Yuki Tsunoda at last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Williams’ Alex Albon reflects on his opening lap crash with Yuki Tsunoda which saw both drivers retire from last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix before the first corner. A brave attempt at a move around the outside of the turn 1 braking zone by Tsunoda saw Albon squeezed between the RB and the Alpine of Gasly on the inside before making contact.
Speaking following the Grand Prix, Albon admitted the crash was a racing incident, with nobody deemed to be in the wrong. He explained a lack of straight line speed inherent in the Williams throughout the weekend, coupled with his grid position came together to leave him in the position which led to the crash.
“I mean, that’s just how it normally is.” Albon explained when asked if his launch was a factor. “If you’re on the outside lane and then the car in front of me, I think, Kevin [Magnussen], was able to tuck in and so, for a short period [you are] left by yourself in clean air. Then obviously the tow effect starts to play its part.
“We’re also the slowest car on the straights this weekend, so into Turn 1 it was always going to be a little bit difficult. Then the crash itself, yeah, I don’t know, maybe, no one to blame. I think obviously Pierre [Gasly} drifted slightly, normally not really an issue and kind of anticipated it at the same time. Yuki [Tsunoda] was aggressive but also, I don’t know, he was aggressive but it wasn’t wrong.”
When asked if he believes the risk factor of Tsunoda’s move was too high, Albon explained the circumstances of the stage of the race were the defining factor and not Tsunoda’s move which he deemed acceptable.
“I think we’re putting a lot of trust in everyone staying in a very tight and compact line” He replied. “Obviously there’s always going to be movement in the braking zone in lap 1.
“You can do it. I think it’s possible to do it in a one-on-one kind of style fight because there’s less risk, there’s less opportunity for cars to move on the brakes, in the dirty air and whatever, people getting squeezed. So yeah, I mean it was brave but, you know.”
Having rewatched and reflected on the incident, Albon said he believes there was little he could have done to prevent the crash. He went on to suggest completely closing the door on Tsunoda before the braking zone may have alleviated the risk however.
“It’s one of those ones where I want to say, I looked it back, I don’t think I could have done anything differently.
“Yeah, it sounds silly but maybe if I really made sure Yuki couldn’t attempt the move he did, maybe it would have been a bit of a mistake through turn 1”
