Helmut Marko defends Williams’ decision to bench Logan Sargeant over ‘$10 million’ prize money

Williams decided to give Logan Sargeant's chassis to Alex Albon for the Australian GP after the British-Thai driver damaged his car beyond repair in time for the race.

Helmut Marko defends Williams’ decision to bench Logan Sargeant over ‘$10 million’ prize money

Helmut Marko [L] Logan Sargeat [R] (images via IMAGO)

Williams Racing found itself in a difficult spot during the Australian GP. Alex Albon had a massive crash in Free Practice which damaged his chassis beyond repair in time for the race. Team Principal James Vowles’ decided to bench Logan Sargeant and give the remaining car to Albon instead. Now, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant Dr. Helmut Marko has agreed with Vowles’ call.

Critics had slammed the Grove-based team, even claiming that it was a public vote of no confidence towards Sargeant. Moreover, Alex Albon had affirmed that the atmosphere within Williams was far from ideal after James Vowles‘ decision.

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Marko highlighted Yuki Tsunoda‘s impressive points finish for VisaCashAppRB at Albert Park. The 80-year-old admitted that the bottom five teams were in a tough position to score points this year. Subsequently, Helmut Marko claimed that he understood why Williams decided to bench Logan Sargeant in favor of Albon for the weekend.

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Melbourne's seventh place is important for RB. It is incredibly difficult for the last five teams to finish on points. For this I understand Williams' decision to give Albon Sargeant's car after his accident.
Marko told Speedweek

The Red Bull advisor mentioned that Alex Albon was undoubtedly the stronger of two Williams driver. Moreover, Helmut Marko highlighted that even a single point could bring $10 million to a team in the lower half of the pecking order. As such, Marko termed Vowles’ call as a logical decision.

Albon is clearly the strongest driver e a point in the league can be worth up to ten million dollars. From this point of view, it was a logical decision.
Helmut Marko asserted

Helmut Marko claims Yuki Tsunoda’s problems have ‘disappeared’ after Australian GP points finish

The 80-year-old was delighted to see Yuki Tsunoda finish in seventh place at the Australian GP. Marko claimed that the Japanese driver was performing at a high level this year. Moreover, the Red Bull advisor reckoned that he had always believed in Tsunoda alongside former Team Principal Franz Tost. Helmut Marko affirmed that the 23-year-old’s speed was never a question since his F1 debut in 2021.

Yuki is driving at a very high level right now and remains impeccable. Franz Tost and I have always believed in him, his speed has always been out of the question for us. 
Marko continued
Yuki Tsunoda (via imago)
Yuki Tsunoda (via imago)

Marko revealed that Tsunoda had problems with his anger and being prone to making mistakes. However, the Honda prodigy has managed to turn things around this year and consistently outperformed Daniel Ricciardo. Now, Helmut Marko has claimed that the 23-year-old has tackled his shortcomings and all his problems have disappeared.

His problems were lack of control, anger and a tendency to make mistakes. All of this has disappeared this season.
Helmut Marko concluded

Certainly, Yuki Tsunoda’s seventh place could have a massive impact on VCARB’s prize money this year. The Japanese driver bagged some crucial points for the team when Williams once again failed to make it to the top. However, it remains to be seen if the Faenza-based team could solidify its lead over the Grove-based squad in the coming races.

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