Mexican Grand Prix – Red Bull Racing’s Alex Albon put his free practice two crash down to a driver error after bringing out the red flags.
Heading into this weekend as winners of the 2017 and 2018 events, Red Bull have been tipped for a competitive showing at the Mexican Grand Prix.
However, any hopes of Alex Albon having an opportunity to claim his first Formula 1 podium were dented when he crashed out partway through FP2.
Attempting to negotiate the left-handed turn seven, Albon lost the rear-end of the car and slid sideways into the barriers, heavily damaging the car and ruling Albon out of the session.
The extent of the damage is yet to be assessed by Red Bull, but a crestfallen Albon conceded that his error might mean a change of approach for free practice three.
“[The crash] did go really quickly because I wasn’t expecting it to go like that, but it was just a careless mistake. I used a bit too much track and these things [happen] quickly, so when it did snap it went pretty quick,” said Albon.
“We missed a good chunk of long-run data as well, it won’t be easy. I think we’ll have to change the run plan for tomorrow in FP3, then try and find a good solution for qualifying.
“I think the car is good. I think it’s similar to what it’s been like for the last to years, so I’ve just got to rebuild the rhythm a bit and fight in the qualifying tomorrow.”