Key Highlights
- Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz say a small group of Formula 1 drivers plans to remain in Asia for a boys’ trip between the Bahrain and Singapore Grands Prix.
- Williams introduced a major FW48 upgrade package at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Sainz qualifying ninth and Albon 13th.
- Sainz will start the Baku race from 14th after receiving a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags.
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz reveal F1 drivers’ Asia trip plans
Williams team-mates Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have revealed that a small group of Formula 1 drivers will use the gap between the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix for a boys’ trip.
The Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia because of the conflict in the Middle East. The revised schedule has given drivers the opportunity to remain in Asia between the two races instead of returning to their team bases.
“We’re going to go on like a boys’ trip, I guess,” Albon said during an interview in the Fan Zone ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. “I think there are a few drivers where we’re going to hang out.”
Sainz added: “Yeah, it’s going to be [a boys’ trip]. We just realised no one’s bringing their girlfriend. But it’s not like we’re going to do anything exciting. We’re going to be in a resort in the middle of nowhere.”
Williams brings major FW48 upgrade to Baku
The drivers’ travel plans come during an important weekend for Williams, which has introduced a major upgrade package for its FW48 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After arriving at pre-season testing in Bahrain with an overweight car, the Grove-based team has worked on a B-specification car for Baku.
The upgraded Williams machinery helped Sainz qualify ninth and Albon qualify 13th for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, Sainz will begin the race from 14th after being handed a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow under yellow-flag conditions.
The Spaniard also received two penalty points, taking his total to four points during the 12-month period. Sainz and Albon currently occupy 16th and 17th in the drivers’ championship, with six and five points respectively.
Why This Matters
The revised Formula 1 calendar has created an extended period in Asia between the Bahrain and Singapore races, allowing drivers to avoid returning to their bases between events. For Williams, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is also an early test of whether its FW48 upgrade can improve the team’s performance after concerns over the car’s weight during pre-season testing.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix will take place at the Baku City Circuit at 3pm local time, which is noon UK time. Sainz’s grid penalty means Williams’ qualifying results will not translate directly into its starting positions for the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Formula 1 drivers are planning the trip?
Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz said that a small group of drivers will spend time together in Asia between the Bahrain and Singapore Grands Prix. They did not identify the other drivers involved.
Why is the Bahrain Grand Prix being held in Malaysia?
The Bahrain Grand Prix has been rescheduled to the Sepang International Circuit because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Where will Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon start in Baku?
Sainz qualified ninth but will start 14th after a five-place grid penalty. Albon qualified 13th and is set to start from that position.