The 2024 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was, in the words of Williams team principal James Bolles, one of the sport's lowest moments.
Alexander Albon and Franco Colapinto suffered heavy crashes in qualifying, and the final was postponed to Sunday due to rainy weather in Sao Paulo. Albon was unable to start the race due to a shunt in Q3, but the team had Colapinto's FW46 ready in time for the start of the race.
However, Colapinto crashed again in wet conditions, forcing the team to return to the Grove factory and work late into the night to rebuild both cars for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team even shared a great video of the work they put into rebuilding both vehicles, a not-so-subtle answer to rumors that they won't be able to operate both vehicles in Las Vegas.
Insert related item: https://www.sbnation.com/formula-one/2024/11/19/24300561/williams-share-fascinating-video-of-how-they-rebuilt-their-f1-cars-following -sao -paulo-crash
However, although Albon and Colapinto were able to start the week in Las Vegas, it is doubtful whether either driver will be on the grid for Saturday night's Las Vegas Grand Prix. Colapinto is recovering from a massive shunt during qualifying, where he got caught in the inside barrier before diving into the outside protective fence.
Colapinto was able to crawl out of FW46 after reporting he was OK, and Fowles provided a video update shortly afterward, indicating that Colapinto's health was his top priority.
Baules also said the impact was “in excess of 50G” and would need to be re-evaluated on Saturday before drivers could take part in the race.
The team also released this short statement early Saturday morning. ”
“During qualifying Franco suffered a significant impact of over 50Gs which required a medical check. An impact of this magnitude is clearly significant and serious and we will not be able to find out if he will be able to race until tomorrow. He will need to undergo another test. Franco's health is important and we are happy that he is otherwise OK.”
Thankfully, Colapinto was released from the medical center and hopes to be on the grid in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
