Williams team principal James Vowles has ordered an “urgent investigation” after both of the team’s cars were disqualified from Singapore Grand Prix qualifying due to a technical infringement involving their DRS (Drag Reduction System).
Disqualification after technical breach
Alex Albon had originally qualified 12th, finishing just ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz in 13th. However, post-session scrutineering revealed that both cars’ rear wings had exceeded the maximum DRS slot gap allowed under Formula 1’s technical regulations.
According to an FIA statement, the inspection found the opening to be larger than the permitted 85mm on both sides of the rear wing’s outer area.
“Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the rear wing
outer area,” the FIA confirmed. “As this is not in compliance with TR Article 3.10.10(g), I am referring this matter to the stewards for their confirmation.”
The ruling resulted in both Albon and Sainz being disqualified from qualifying.
However, given that they had set competitive times in earlier practice sessions, the stewards granted permission for both drivers to start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.
Williams’ own checks found no issue
The FIA’s findings came as a surprise to Williams, who had measured the car with their own equipment prior to qualifying and believed the rear wing to be fully compliant. Despite this, the team did not appeal the decision, choosing instead to focus on identifying how the error occurred.
In a statement released Saturday night, Vowles expressed deep frustration but accepted the FIA’s ruling.
“During FIA scrutineering after qualifying, the rear wings on both our cars failed DRS slot gap checks,” Vowles confirmed.
“As a result, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. This is bitterly disappointing for the team, and we are urgently investigating how this happened.”
Vowles accepts FIA ruling, vows procedural review
Vowles emphasized that the breach was unintentional, stressing that Williams had not sought any performance advantage.
“At no point were we seeking a performance advantage, and the rear wings had passed our own checks earlier in the day,” he said. “But there is only one measurement that matters, and we fully accept the FIA ruling.”
Despite the setback, the Williams boss was adamant that both drivers would fight back in the race, expressing confidence in the car’s pace.
“We have a car capable of scoring points here this weekend,” he added. “We’ll do everything we can to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow, and we will immediately review our processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
DRS compliance and recent precedents
DRS infringements — particularly slot-gap measurements — are strictly enforced by the FIA due to the aerodynamic advantage they can create. Even a few millimeters of extra opening can increase straight-line speed significantly.
This is not the first time a team has been caught out by the tolerance margin: similar disqualifications have affected major outfits such as Mercedes (Brazil 2021) and Aston Martin (2023), both citing equipment calibration errors.
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