F1 driver avoids major risk of missing Imola Grand Prix as problem fixed minutes before race start

A Formula 1 driver has avoided a major risk of missing the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

On Sunday afternoon, the seventh Grand Prix of the 2025 season will take place around the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

The race in Imola is the first of a triple header, which will continue next weekend in Monaco before the Spanish Grand Prix takes place in Barcelona towards the end of the month.

On Saturday, McLaren star and world championship leader Oscar Piastri qualified on pole ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver George Russell.

Ahead of the race, Williams driver Alex Albon is said to be in a race against time after his car suffered a problem.

As reported by Sky Sports, who wrote on social media: "Problems for Alex Albon.

"His car's sprung a leak, with the team racing to fix it before the start of the race."

The Thai driver qualified seventh on the grid after an impressive performance during Q3.

Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz said: "We've got a problem down here at Williams. Alex Albon is starting seventh on the grid and his car has sprung a leak.

"I'm not told whether it's water or fuel, but there is a leak on this car and they can't find it, let alone fix it. They can't find exactly what's going on."

He continued: "They haven't got much longer to get this going before the pit lane opens."

Thankfully for Williams and Albon, the problem appears to be sorted as he was seen driving towards the grid.

Sky Sports stated: "Good news from the Williams garage! That leak on Alex Albon's car has been sorted out and he'll be fine to start the race from P7."

In a short statement, Williams said: "We were investigating a possible fuel issue on the car, following checks everything is in order."