The stewards have disqualified Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon of Atlassian Williams Racing from Qualifying for the 2025 F1 Singapore GP, following a breach of Article 3.10.10(g) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations. This article governs the maximum permissible slot gap on the rear wing when the Drag Reduction System (DRS) is activated.
During post-Qualifying scrutineering, FIA officials conducted standard measurements of the rear wings on both Car 55 (Sainz) and Car 23 (Albon). The inspection revealed that the DRS slot gap exceeded the 85mm maximum limit on both sides of the rear wing’s outer section. The stewards determined that this non-compliance constituted a technical infringement, regardless of intent or performance gain.
As a result, the stewards deemed both cars to be in breach of the technical regulations and subsequently excluded them from the official Qualifying classification. This decision will move both Sainz and Albon down the order for Sunday’s race, though both retain permission to start.
Details from the hearing
During the official hearing, representatives from Williams presented their technical data, confirming that their pre-Qualifying checks showed the DRS slot gap as compliant with the 85mm limit. The team demonstrated transparency throughout the process and did not challenge the FIA’s procedures, measurement techniques, or equipment calibration.
The stewards noted that the regulations are absolute — any component found to be outside the prescribed limits, even marginally, must be considered non-compliant, regardless of intent or performance impact. Consequently, both drivers’ qualifying times were voided in accordance with Article 1.3.3 of the FIA Technical Regulations, which states that cars must comply with the regulations “at all times during an event.”
The stewards commended Williams’ cooperative stance and willingness to accept the findings, but reaffirmed that they would not be able to excuse technical infringements because of mitigation factors such as measurement drift or human error.
The stewards also reminded the team of their right to appeal the disqualification under Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code, and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules. However, Williams has opted not to explore this option, stating publicly that they accept the ruling.
Permission to start granted
Although both Sainz and Albon were disqualified from Qualifying, the stewards granted permission for both drivers to start the race, in accordance with Article 39.4(b) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. This article allows a driver who fails to qualify to participate in the race if they have demonstrated sufficient speed and competence during Free Practice sessions. They will start the race from new positions as defined by Article 42.1.
Williams issues statement
Following the announcement, Team Principal James Vowles issued a detailed statement acknowledging the FIA’s decision and outlining the team’s position and response.
“During FIA scrutineering after Qualifying, the rear wings on both our cars failed DRS slot gap checks. As a result, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from Qualifying for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“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, but there is only one measurement that matters and we fully accept the FIA ruling.
“We have a car capable of scoring points here this weekend and will do everything we can to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow, and will immediately review our processes to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Despite the setback, Vowles expressed confidence in the car’s competitiveness and the team’s resilience heading into race day: “We have a car capable of scoring points here this weekend and will do everything we can to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow.”
The double disqualification delivers a heavy blow to Williams’ Singapore campaign, particularly after showing promising pace throughout the weekend. Both drivers had qualified within the top ten before the exclusion, putting the team in a strong position for valuable championship points.
Now forced to start from the back, the 2025 F1 Singapore GP will now serve as a test of Williams’ adaptability and determination, as Sainz and Albon aim to convert a disappointing Saturday into a comeback performance on Sunday.
