Williams’ hopes for a points-scoring Singapore Grand Prix have taken a crushing blow after both cars were disqualified from Saturday’s qualifying for breaching the FIA’s technical regulations on rear wing dimensions.
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, who had originally qualified 12th and 13th respectively, were stripped of their results after the FIA found both cars’ rear wings to exceed the maximum permitted opening for the DRS system.
The ruling sends both drivers to the back of the grid for Sunday’s race.
FIA Details Technical Breach
In its post-session report, FIA Formula 1 technical delegate Jo Bauer confirmed that “the uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55,” referring to Albon and Sainz.
“Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.”
The stewards later explained that during post-qualifying scrutineering, “the rear wing of the car was found to be non-compliant with the technical regulations.”
They continued:
“The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked. The DRS in the state of deployment exceeded the maximum limit of 85mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.
"At the hearing, the competitor admitted that, although their own measurement prior to qualifying had shown the component to be within tolerance, the measurement subsequently conducted by the appointed FIA officials revealed a larger gap than permitted and therefore the rear wing did not conform with the required dimension.
"The competitor did not contest the measurement procedure, the methodology, or the accuracy of the measuring equipment used by FIA. The Competitor fully accepted the results of the FIA measurement and acknowledged that the rear wing fitted to the car did not comply with the requirements of the technical regulations.
"Accordingly, the standard penalty applicable to technical infringements is imposed.”
The stewards confirmed that both Williams drivers are permitted to start the race, though they will do so from the back of the grid. If the team opts to change rear wing specifications, Albon and Sainz will have to start from the pit lane.
Vowles: “Bitterly Disappointing for the Team”
Williams team principal James Vowles expressed his dismay at the ruling but insisted that the infringement was unintentional.
“This is bitterly disappointing for the team and we are urgently investigating how this happened,” said Vowles.
“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 ruling.
“We have a car capable of scoring points here this weekend and will do everything we can to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow, and will immediately review our processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
The double disqualification echoes a similar incident at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, where both Haas cars were excluded from qualifying for the same infraction.
For Williams, the timing is particularly damaging, with the team fighting to regain form and consistency amid a tight midfield battle.
After showing encouraging pace around Marina Bay, Albon and Sainz now face the monumental task of carving through the field on one of Formula 1’s most unforgiving street circuits – a night that was meant to offer opportunity has instead turned into a fight for redemption.
Read also: Vowles eyes racing return after GT3 test with McLaren
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