FIA confirms double Williams disqualification after Singapore Grand Prix breach

The Williams cars of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have been disqualified from Singapore Grand Prix qualifying due to a technical breach, the FIA has announced.

Albon and Sainz qualified 12th and 13th respectively in qualifying at the Marina Bay circuit before an issue with the rear wings of both cars was spotted during post-session scrutineering.

Williams pair Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon disqualified after FIA investigation

All cars are checked by the FIA Formula One Technical Delegate Jo Bauer, who issued a report that the rear wings of the two Williams cars were illegal with the rear-wing slot gap exceeding the maximum of 88mm when DRS was activated.

In his report, Bauer said: “The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55.

“Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.

“As this is not in compliance with TR Article 3.10.10 g. I am referring this matter to the stewards for their confirmation.”

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The technical regulation referred to states: “At all points along the span, when the DRS is in the state of deployment, the two sections the rear wing profiles (as defined under Article 3.10.1) must have a minimum gap of between 9.4mm and 85mm. This will be measured with a spherical gauge.”

After a post-session investigation, the FIA has announced that both Williams cars have been excluded from qualifying in Singapore.

The stewards’ verdict for Sainz’s disqualification read: “The Stewards heard from the team representative of Car 55 (Carlos Sainz).

“During post-qualifying scrutineering, the rear wing of the car was found to be noncompliant with the Technical Regulations.

“The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked.

“The DRS in the state of deployment exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.

“At the hearing, the Competitor admitted that, although their own measurement prior to the 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.”

An identical statement was issued for Albon.

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