Williams Drivers Disqualified from Singapore GP Qualifying for Technical Breach

Sports

In a shock ruling after qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix, both Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have been disqualified for breaching Formula 1’s technical regulations. The decision wipes out their qualifying results and forces them to start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.

The FIA confirmed that during routine post-session scrutineering, the rear wing DRS mechanism on both Williams cars exceeded the maximum permitted opening of 85 mm. The technical breach contravenes Article 3.10.10 g of the regulations, which stipulates that the gap must remain between 9.4 mm and 85 mm when the DRS is activated.

Albon and Sainz had originally qualified 12th and 13th, but their lap times were struck from the record after the infringement was discovered. At the stewards’ hearing, Williams did not dispute the FIA’s findings, accepting that the measurements were accurate.

The disqualification comes as a huge blow for the Grove based team. Just a week after celebrating their first podium finish in years, Williams now face the prospect of fighting through the field on one of Formula 1’s toughest overtaking circuits. With Singapore’s tight corners and limited passing opportunities, recovering from the back of the grid will be a near impossible task.

The reshuffle does not affect the front of the grid, with George Russell’s pole position for Mercedes remaining intact. However, the penalties highlight how unforgiving Formula 1’s technical regulations are where a few millimeters can mean the difference between a midfield fight and starting from the very back.