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6h ago

Rear-Brake Failure Blamed as Albon’s Williams Catches Fire in Singapore FP1

Williams plans a full rear-end change to target an FP2 return under FIA oversight.

Williams' Thai driver Alexander Albon (C) walks in the pit lane during the first practice session ahead of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on October 3, 2025. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 03: Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Williams FW47 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on October 03, 2025 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Albon returns to the pits with a brake issue
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Overview

  • Alex Albon exited safely after his FW47 caught fire in the pit lane early in first practice at Marina Bay, filling the area with thick smoke.
  • Williams says a rear brake hardware fault caused the blaze, with James Vowles reporting temperatures exceeding 1,000°C.
  • The team will replace the pre-built rear assembly, including gearbox and rear suspension, after abandoning the remainder of FP1.
  • Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz reported FIA involvement due to safety concerns, and the team does not currently suspect a brake-by-wire issue.
  • Reporters noted a similar rear-brake hardware problem affected Carlos Sainz in Austria, raising reliability questions for the component.