A bitter blow for Williams—both cars were disqualified after qualifying in Singapore due to a technical rule violation.
After a rather mixed qualifying session for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, the two Williams drivers Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz also lost their twelfth and thirteenth places. The reason was disqualification due to a non-compliant DRS system.
When the DRS is activated, the distance between the two elements of the rear wing profile (as defined in Article 3.10.1) must be at least 9.4 mm and no more than 85 mm at all points along the span. This distance is checked using a spherical measuring device.
“Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the outer area of the rear wing,” said Jo Bauer, the FIA’s technical delegate, in his report.
DRS gap larger than permitted
This means that the cars’ DRS created a larger gap and thus less downforce than permitted by the regulations. Albon, Sainz, and a representative of the Williams team were summoned to a hearing by the race stewards.
The latter have now made it official: “When extended, the DRS exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 85 mm on both sides of the outer area of the rear wing.” Williams has already accepted the disqualification. There had been a similar case in 2024: Both Haas cars were disqualified after qualifying at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix.
Team principal James Vowles expressed his disappointment but understanding about the disqualification in a statement: “We are urgently investigating how this could have happened. At no point did we want to gain a performance advantage, and the rear wings had passed our own checks earlier in the day. But there is only one measurement that counts, and we fully accept the FIA’s decision.”
“We will do everything we can to fight our way to the front tomorrow.”
The British team actually did quite well in practice—at least for Sainz. The Spaniard was in the top 10 in all three sessions. However, Williams was unable to confirm this result in qualifying.
Team statement from James Vowles pic.twitter.com/wHqqc82Uk2
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) October 4, 2025
Nevertheless, one thing is certain: Albon and Sainz had chances to score points in Singapore. The two Williams drivers will now start the race from 19th and 20th place.
Vowles nevertheless appears combative in his statement: “We have a car that can score points this weekend and will do everything we can to fight our way up from the back of the field tomorrow. We will also immediately review our processes to ensure this does not happen again.”