F1 team forced to release statement after deleted tweets claimed driver would miss Brazilian GP

Williams have released an urgent statement after it was claimed that one of their drivers would not race in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The delayed qualifying session on Sunday morning saw chaotic scenes take place, with five red flags shown across the three periods.

Franco Colapinto, Carlos Sainz, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon all suffered terminal damage to their car in separate incidents on what was an extremely slippery track.

A significant issue for all 10 teams was that the proximity of the crashes - around turn two and three - meant it was impossible for stricken cars to be returned to the pit lane during the session.

There is a grassy area behind the track in which cars can be stored away from danger, but the dimensions of the pit lane compared to the track is what causes the issue.

In particular, Williams were left deeply concerned that they would not have to time to fix both Colapinto and Albon's cars.

And Albon stated that he will not be taking part at all in the Grand Prix having qualified in seventh place.

He told F1 TV: "I know we had an issue. Immediately when I hit the brake pedal there was a beep in my ear, which normally means a failure. Rear locking and then a big crash.

"That's us out for the race unfortunately. No, the car won't be fixed. There's no way."

The official Formula 1 account subsequently tweeted that Albon would not enter the Grand Prix, with Sky Sports following suit.

His comments, though, appear to have caused significant confusion in the paddock, with nobody sure for certain about the full extent of the situation.

Those tweets were soon deleted, and Williams released a statement to confirm that they were still assessing the damage to Albon's car and that of his team-mate Colapinto.

They wrote: "Following Alex and Franco's separate incidents during the wet Qualifying session here in Sao Paulo, both cars have extensive damage which is being assessed.

"We have an incredible team behind us working tirelessly, with the aim of getting both cars repaired to race in the Grand Prix. We will keep you updated on further developments."

UPDATE: Williams have since confirmed that Albon will not race in Interlagos due to the 'extensive damage' caused by his qualifying crash. Colapinto, however, will be able to start the Grand Prix.

Team principal James Vowles has repeatedly spoken about his concerns over spare parts this season, and revealed in October that he had warned Logan Sargeant not to damage the car before the American suffered a practice crash at the Dutch Grand Prix and was subsequently dropped.

According to F1 journalist Tobi Gruener, Albon may not be the only driver who could miss out on the race.

Aston Martin are assessing damage to the cars of Alonso and Stroll, with it said to be 'looking worse' for Alonso in terms of chances of starting the Grand Prix.

Sainz is expected to race with Ferrari looking likely to fix his car on time, with Colapinto's participation uncertain but seemingly more likely than Albon.