Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon were involved in a collision during the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, specifically at turn three. The race in Suzuka started with a red flag, adding to the unfortunate weekend for both drivers. Albon attempted to overtake VCARB on the outside while starting on soft tires, but unfortunately he and Ricciardo tangled at turn three.
Despite Albon’s efforts to avoid contact, both he and Ricciardo crashed, resulting in them being launched off the track and into the barriers. The accident prompted the immediate deployment of the safety car. Many drivers, including Verstappen, expressed concern for Ricciardo and Albon.
Verstappen was seen checking on his former Red Bull teammate after the incident. The collision caused significant damage to Ricciardo and Albon’s cars. Williams, in particular, faced additional challenges as they already had major damage from the Australian Grand Prix. This puts the team in a difficult position for the future. Ricciardo, too, had another disappointing weekend, despite hoping for better results.
As mentioned earlier, the race started with the collision between Ricciardo and Albon, leaving both drivers stranded off the track and against the barriers. Albon expressed his frustration over the radio, mentioning that Ricciardo had closed him off, leaving him with no options. However, an F1 commentator offered a different perspective on the incident.
Regardless of who may be at fault, the collision was unfortunate for both Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo. This situation is particularly challenging for Williams, as they do not have a spare chassis. The future does not look promising for the duo as they move on to the next event.