Williams Alex Albon Brake Fire Halts Singapore GP Practice

During the first practice session at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, Williams driver Alex Albon's car caught fire in the pit lane due to a severe brake issue that caused the rear brake temperatures to exceed 1,000 degrees Celsius. The fire originated from the rear brakes, forcing the team to use CO2 extinguishers to control the blaze and ultimately ending Albon's session prematurely. Williams team principal James Vowles explained that a hardware problem caused the brakes to clamp on, necessitating a complete rear-end replacement of the car, including the gearbox and rear suspension. The incident was similar to a previous brake problem experienced by Carlos Sainz in Austria, though it is unclear if the issues are related. Despite the setback, Williams managed to prepare Albon's car for the second practice session. The fire and resulting damage represent a significant challenge for the team as they continue their preparations at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.