Williams DQ in Singapore: Albon and Sainz, last due to DRS irregularity

SINGAPORE – Both Williams cars have been disqualified from the qualifying session of the Singapore Grand Prix, after an irregularity was detected in the Drag Reduction System (DRS) of their rear wings. The DRS flap on both cars opened beyond the maximum limit allowed by the regulations. Alex Albon, who had qualified in 12th position, and Carlos Sainz, in 13th place, will be forced to start from the back row of the grid in Sunday’s race. The DRS, a key tool for overtaking in Formula 1, allows drivers to open a section of the rear wing to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase top speed, as long as they are less than one second behind the car in front. This system is also available in specific areas of the circuit during qualifying. The regulations set a maximum flap opening limit of 85 mm. However, 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 acknowledged that, although their own pre-classification measurements indicated that the component was within the limits, the measurements taken by FIA officials revealed a gap greater than permitted. Therefore, the rear wing did not meet the required dimensions.

Williams team principal James Vowles issued a statement where he made it clear that the team did not try to gain a performance advantage and that they are “urgently” investigating how this error occurred. Vowles explained that the rear wings of both cars did not pass the DRS slot checks after qualifying, resulting in the disqualification of Albon and Sainz for the Singapore Grand Prix. The team accepted the FIA’s decision and is committed to reviewing its processes to prevent this from happening again, with the aim of fighting from the back of the grid.