Sargeant provides chassis update ahead of Japanese GP return

Logan Sargeant has revealed he will not be receiving his chassis back from Alex Albon at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix and instead has been given the repaired one by Williams.

The American was withdrawn from the Australian Grand Prix last time out as Williams opted to give his chassis to Albon, who had destroyed his own in a heavy crash during first practice.

With Williams not having a spare tub, team principal James Vowles felt that Albon was the team's best hope of a points finish. In the end, Albon finished in P11.

Albon's chassis was returned to Grove for immediate repairs before being shipped to Suzuka, ready for Sargeant to use.

"Yeah, it's the repaired one, just because the workload to switch the cars back over would just be far too much for the mechanics," revealed Sargeant to media including RacingNews365.

"But yeah, the chassis repair went better than expected."

Although Albon's chassis, which Sargeant will be using, has been successfully repaired, the American driver also revealed that it is slightly heavier.

"I believe it's only 100 grams heavier," added Sargeant. "So pretty much nothing."

'Psychologically feel better'

According to Sargeant, Williams are targeting a new chassis for the Miami Grand Prix, which takes place at the start of May. It means they will compete in two more races without a spare tub.

The American driver has had time to reflect on being withdrawn from Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit and spent some time away from F1 ahead of travelling to Japan.

Whilst Vowles' decision was gut-wrenching for Sargeant, he does not hold anyone to blame.

"I think you always have to look at what's best for the team. Of course, as the driver you want to drive, but at the same time I know everyone's working as hard as they can," explained Sargeant.

"I don't blame anyone, I know everyone's trying their best and I make mistakes, the team makes mistakes, but we move on.

"I think the funny part is probably psychologically feel better. After having a week away, you see things from a different perspective.

"Like I said, I've had a decent start to the year, it hasn't shown up in quali yet. I think it would have in Melbourne. So I'm just continuing with that mindset that I'm close to where I need to be, it's going to start this weekend."