Williams has provided assurance that both of their drivers, Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon, have been cleared after facing health challenges during the Qatar Grand Prix.
While tire management was a significant concern throughout the race weekend due to the demanding track conditions in Qatar, it was the drivers themselves who bore the brunt of the gruelling, muggy night race at the Lusail International Circuit.
Logan Sargeant reached a critical point where he had to retire due to feeling extremely unwell during the race.
He had initially resisted retiring the car but ultimately succumbed to the debilitating effects of his condition as he returned to the Williams garage.
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Sargeant was visibly unwell as he slowly exited the Williams cockpit and was promptly taken to the medical centre.
Williams confirmed that he suffered from “intense dehydration” and that the illness he had experienced earlier in the week had exacerbated his condition.
Fortunately, he was assessed and cleared by the medical team on-site.
“Following Logan’s retirement from the Grand Prix, he has been assessed and cleared by the medical team on-site after suffering from intense dehydration during the race, weakened by having flu-like symptoms earlier in the week,” the team stated.
It was also noted by Sky F1’s pit-lane reporter, Ted Kravitz, that Alex Albon had not been seen in the media pen post-race.
Williams provided further details by revealing that Albon had been transported to the medical centre for treatment due to “acute heat exposure.”
Thankfully, he too was cleared by the medical team.
“Following the Qatar GP, Alex was taken to the medical center to be treated for acute heat exposure,” Williams confirmed.
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“He has now been assessed and cleared by the medical team.”
Despite their health challenges, Alex Albon finished in 13th place, contributing to the Williams team’s efforts.
Both drivers will now enter a recovery phase as they prepare for their next outing at the United States Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Circuit of the Americas from October 20th to 22nd.