Logan Sargeant crash causes 'significant' damage as Williams chief provides update ahead of Japanese GP

Williams team principal James Vowles has admitted Logan Sargeant's crash in P1 has caused 'significant' damage ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The incident occurred when the 23-year-old veered off track and collided with the barriers in Suzuka.

Vowles has now opened up on the crash and the severity of the damage.

And he's admitted that while the team will do their utmost to repair the car, their plans for this weekend's GP are now up in the air.

Logan Sargeant

"It's pretty significant," he said, per Motorsport.com.

"The chassis is okay, fortunately, but I would say pretty much everything else isn't.

"So suspension all round, gearbox cracked, big damage.

"It's going to be difficult. We'll obviously do our utmost to try and get the car back out there again, but the damage is extensive.

"So it will take a while."

Explaining the crash, Vowles added: "He struggled to see where his positioning was on track... It fundamentally looks like he didn't quite realize where he was, with where the grass was on the outside, and put a wheel on the grass."

The Williams chief did, however, insist that Sargeant wasn't under unfair pressure after recently replacing Alex Albon.

"But he was honestly in a very good state of mind this week and last night again when I called him at about 9-10pm, a really, really strong state of mind, just wanted to get back into the car and get going," he continued.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, was quickest in practice.

The Red Bull driver struggled in Australia last time out and was unable to finish the race.

Yet the 26-year-old impressed in Suzuka as he looks to win a third race of the season.

However, Verstappen has warned Red Bull that their rivals seem to have closed the gap on Red Bull as they seek further success.

"It was a good start for us," said Verstappen, who has won the Japanese Grand Prix twice in his career so far.

"The balance wasn't bad and that is always a good way to start.

"It seems like everyone is a little closer together compared to last year.

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Logan Sargeant

"I think in general over one lap, it seems like people have got closer, but for the long run pace, I have no idea, but I don't expect gaps like there were last year here.

"We couldn't do anything in the second free practice session, but there are still a few things we have to look at and try out.

"But in general, I am quite satisfied with the first session."

Max Verstappen

It was a Red Bull one-two, with Sergio Perez finishing second.

Carlos Sainz Jr came in third, with the 29-year-old winning in Australia last month.

And George Russell secured fourth ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.