Williams, Disqualified in Singapore: Albon and Sainz Start Last Due to DRS

SINGAPORE – Williams’ two cars have been disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session after an irregularity was detected in the Drag Reduction System (DRS) of their rear wings. The DRS flap on both cars exceeded the maximum limit allowed by the regulations. Alex Albon, who had qualified in twelfth position, and Carlos Sainz, who had achieved 13th place, will now have to start from the last row of the grid in Sunday’s race. The DRS, a crucial tool for overtaking in Formula 1, allows drivers who are less than a second behind the car in front to open a flap on the rear wing. This reduces aerodynamic drag and increases top speed during races. The DRS is also available in specific areas of the circuit during qualifying. The maximum flap opening limit is 85 mm, but post-session checks revealed that both Williams cars exceeded this limit.

“During post-classification verification, it was discovered that the car’s rear wing did not comply with the Technical Regulations,” it was stated in a statement from the stewards. “The adjustable positions of the upper element of the rear wing were verified. The DRS in the deployed state exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the outer area of the rear wing”.

Statement from the stewards

In the hearing, the team admitted that, although their own pre-qualifying measurements indicated that the component was within the permitted limits, the measurements taken subsequently by FIA officials revealed a greater separation than permitted, so the rear wing did not comply with the required dimensions.

The team did not question the measurement procedure, the methodology, or the accuracy of the measurement equipment used by the FIA. It fully accepted the results of the FIA’s measurement and acknowledged that the rear wing installed on the car did not meet the requirements of the Technical Regulations. In a statement following the decision, Williams team principal James Vowles made it clear that his team had not tried to gain a performance advantage and that they were “urgently” investigating how the error occurred.

“During the FIA verification after qualifying, the rear wings of both cars did not pass the DRS slot gap checks,” said Vowles. “As a result, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from qualifying for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix. This is very disappointing for the team and we are urgently investigating how this happened.”

James Vowles, Williams team principal

“At no point were we seeking a performance advantage and the rear wings had passed our own checks earlier in the day, but there is only one measurement that matters and we fully accept the FIA’s decision.” “We have a car capable of scoring points this weekend and we will do everything we can to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow, and we will immediately review our processes to ensure this does not happen again.”