Williams, Disqualified in Singapore: Albon and Sainz, to the Back of the Grid

Williams, disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying

Singapore – Williams’ two cars were disqualified from the results of Saturday’s qualifying session at the Singapore Grand Prix, after it was discovered that the Drag Reduction System (DRS) flap on the rear wings of both cars opened beyond the maximum limit allowed in the regulations. Alex Albon, who qualified in 12th position, and Carlos Sainz, who obtained the 13th position, will be forced to start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid. The DRS, an aid 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, reducing drag and increasing top speed during races. The DRS is also available to drivers in permitted zones around the circuit during qualifying. The maximum flap opening is 85 mm, but post-session checks revealed that both Williams cars exceeded the limit.

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

Race Stewards

In the hearing, the competitor admitted that, although his own measurement before qualifying had shown that the component was within tolerance, the measurement subsequently carried out by FIA officials revealed a greater separation than permitted and, therefore, the rear wing did not comply with the required dimension.

Both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will start from the back of the grid for Sunday’s race.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. Vowles stated: “During the FIA inspection after qualifying, the rear wings of both cars did not pass the DRS slot separation checks. As a result, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from qualifying for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix. This is bitterly disappointing for the team and we are urgently investigating how this happened. 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 possible to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow, and we will immediately review our processes to ensure this does not happen again.”