Williams suffers double DRS disqualification in Singapore qualifying amid DRS flap violation. Both Williams cars have been disqualified from Singapore GP qualifying.

The team’s disappointment follows an already challenging qualifying session at Marina Bay. Albon and Sainz, who had finished 12th and 13th respectively in Q3, underwent a post-session inspection by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer. During the check, the movable component of the rear wing, which operates when the Drag Reduction System (DRS) is activated, was found to exceed the permitted opening limit.

Bauer’s measurements, conducted at multiple points on both cars using a precise gauge, confirmed that the DRS flap openings surpassed the 85-millimeter threshold. This breach of Article 3.10.10g of the FIA technical regulations resulted in an inevitable disqualification by the race stewards.

Shortly after the disqualification, Williams issued an official statement with comments from team principal James Vowles: “During the FIA technical checks following qualifying, the rear wings of both our cars failed to meet the DRS slot spacing requirements. Consequently, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from qualifying for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix.”

James Vowles continued: “This is a major disappointment for the team, and we are urgently investigating how this could have happened. We never intended to gain a performance advantage, and the rear wings had passed our internal checks earlier in the day. Ultimately, there is only one measurement that counts, and we fully accept the FIA’s decision.”

He added: “We still have cars capable of scoring points this weekend, and we will do everything possible to fight from the back of the grid tomorrow. We will also immediately review our processes to ensure this does not happen again.”

As a result of the disqualification, Albon and Sainz will start at the rear of the grid. This promotes Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda to 12th and 13th, respectively, while Gabriel Bortoleto, Lance Stroll, Franco Colapinto, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly each gain one position.

It remains to be seen whether Alpine will introduce a new power unit for Pierre Gasly, who would have started from the penultimate row regardless.

Williams’ double DRS disqualification is not unprecedented. The last time two cars were penalized for exceeding the maximum DRS flap opening was at the Monaco Grand Prix last year, when both Haas cars were found in breach of the same regulation.