Image: From Williamssupport (Andrew) X @williamssupport – A very concerned-looking James Vowles as he discusses the DRS issue with other team management @WilliamsRacing
Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
Williams Team Principal James Vowles has issued a statement confirming that the British outfit has launched an “urgent investigation” into its double disqualification from qualifying for the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
Alex Albon had qualified 12th at Marina Bay, one place ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz, but both drivers were disqualified after post-qualifying scrutineering revealed that the DRS slot gap on the rear wing exceeded the maximum permitted 85mm opening under F1’s technical regulations.
Although both drivers lost their qualifying positions, the FIA permitted them to start the race from the back of the grid after setting valid lap times in practice sessions.
During the FIA investigation, it emerged that Williams had measured the rear wings using its own equipment before qualifying and believed them to be legal. However, the team did not challenge the FIA’s findings. Instead, Vowles confirmed that an immediate internal probe was underway to understand the discrepancy.
“During FIA scrutineering after qualifying, the rear wings on both our cars failed DRS slot gap checks,” Vowles explained in an official statement. “As a result, Alex and Carlos have been disqualified from qualifying for the 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.”
Vowles added that Williams will fight hard to recover in Sunday’s race despite the setback. “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.”
The disqualification marks a major blow to Williams’s hopes of scoring valuable points at Marina Bay, with both Albon and Sainz now facing a challenging recovery drive in Sunday’s Grand Prix.
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