Singapore Grand Prix qualifying result changed as two stars disqualified by FIA | F1 | Sport
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have both been disqualified from qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix after their Williams cars failed inspection at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The pair will now start the race from the back of the grid on Sunday.
The Williams duo qualified 12th and 13th in a quiet Singapore GP qualifying session, but disaster struck in Parc Ferme when the rear wings on their FW47 machines were deemed to have flouted the technical regulations.
“The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55,” explained technical delegate Jo Bauer. “Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm 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.”
After a trip to see the stewards, both cars were disqualified from the qualifying classification, although they will still be able to participate in the Grand Prix on Sunday. “The DRS in the state of deployment exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area,” the stewards’ report explained.
“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.”
Responding in a statement, team principal James Vowles described the double disqualification as “bitterly disappointing” and assured fans that the team are “urgently investigating how this happened”. He also added that “at no point were we seeking a performance advantage” and that the rear wings had passed internal checks within the garage earlier on Saturday.
Elsewhere in qualifying, George Russell clinched pole position after a commanding Q3 performance, beating Max Verstappen to the P1 grid slot by nearly two-tenths of a second. There was drama involving the Dutchman, who was unimpressed with Lando Norris.
The reigning world champion accused his friend and title rival of blocking him in the final sector. Norris was only able to qualify fifth at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, while team-mate Oscar Piastri, who leads the World Championship by 25 points with seven races remaining, was third behind Russell and Verstappen.
