Williams team disqualified from Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session in F1 shakeup

Williams Formula 1 Drivers Disqualified from Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying Due to DRS Violation

In a surprising turn of events at the Singapore Grand Prix, Williams Formula 1 drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have been disqualified from the qualifying session due to a violation of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) regulations. Both drivers, who initially qualified in 12th and 13th positions at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, faced scrutiny from FIA technical officials that led to this decision.

Details of the Technical Infringement

The disqualification was announced after a thorough inspection of the cars in parc ferme, led by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer. The report highlighted that the rear wing of each car failed to comply with established technical standards.

The specific issues identified included:

• The adjustable positions of the uppermost element of the rear wing were measured.
• The DRS deployment exceeded the permitted maximum limit of 85mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.

During the hearing, representatives from Williams acknowledged that their pre-qualifying measurements indicated compliance. However, subsequent FIA checks revealed discrepancies that led to the disqualification.

Response from Williams Team Principal

Following the disqualification, Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, expressed disappointment and emphasized that the team had not intended to gain any unfair performance advantage.

In his statement, Vowles said:

• “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.”
• “We fully accept the FIA ruling and will review our processes to ensure this does not occur again.”

Vowles remains hopeful, adding that the car has the capability to score points despite starting from the back of the grid.

Historical Context of Disqualification in F1

This incident is not unprecedented in Formula 1. A similar situation occurred at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix when both Haas cars were disqualified for a technical breach, further emphasizing the strict nature of compliance within the sport.

Future Outlook for Williams F1 Team

With both Albon and Sainz starting from the last row, the Williams team aims to demonstrate resilience and strive for a competitive performance in the race. The team is committed to a thorough investigation and improvement of their processes to prevent future violations.

As the race approaches, fans and followers of Formula 1 will be watching closely to see how Williams overcomes this early setback in their quest for points in the championship standings.