Williams Disqualified from Singapore GP Qualifying

Both Williams cars have been disqualified from Singapore Grand Prix qualifying after post-session checks revealed their rear wing elements exceeded the allowed limits. Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, who initially qualified 12th and 13th, will now start from the back of the grid, a significant setback for the team aiming for points.

Why it matters:

Williams' disqualification highlights the FIA's stringent technical regulations and the razor-thin margins teams operate within. While the team denies seeking a performance advantage, the penalty underscores the importance of precise compliance, especially in a tight midfield battle where every position counts. This incident could impact Williams' constructors' championship standing, as they now face an uphill battle to score points in Singapore.

The details:

• Initial Qualification: Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant qualified 12th and 13th respectively at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, putting them in a strong position to contend for points.
• FIA Scrutineering: During post-qualifying checks, FIA F1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer found that the uppermost rear wing elements on both cars exceeded the maximum allowed limit of 85mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area.
• Technical Infringement: This violation falls under Article 3.10.10 g. of the technical regulations, which mandates that the gap between rear wing sections, when the Drag Reduction System (DRS) is deployed, must remain between 9.4mm and 85mm across its span.
• Team's Response: Williams Team Principal James Vowles stated that the team's internal checks had indicated compliance earlier in the day and denied any intent to gain a performance advantage. He fully accepted the FIA's ruling and vowed to investigate the cause.
• Stewards' Ruling: The stewards confirmed Williams did not dispute the measurement procedure or accuracy, leading to the standard disqualification for such technical breaches.

What's next:

Williams now faces the challenge of starting both cars from the back of the grid in a race known for its difficulty in overtaking. The team will be focusing on damage limitation and strategy to salvage any possible points. This incident also puts pressure on Williams to review and tighten their internal technical compliance processes to prevent future infractions, ensuring they can consistently compete without such setbacks. Despite the setback, Vowles remains optimistic, stating the team has a car capable of scoring points and will "fight from the back of the grid."