Williams F1 team disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix

The Williams F1 team have been disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying due to a technical failure.

Team boss James Vowles has promised an internal investigation after both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz's cars failed a post-qualifying scurtineering check.

Vowles said in a statement: "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."

He continued: "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 FIA Formula One Technical Delegate Jo Bauer had referred the matter to the Race Stewards after he noted that the rear wings of the two Williams cars were illegal.

In his report, Bauer said: “The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55.

He concluded: “As this is not in compliance with TR Article 3.10.10g. I am referring this matter to the stewards for their confirmation.”

The technical regulation says: “At all points along the span, when the DRS is in the state of deployment, the two sections the rear wing profiles (as defined under Article 3.10.1) must have a minimum gap of between 9.4mm and 85mm. This will be measured with a spherical gauge."

The news is a blow to Williams after Sainz scored a podium finish last out in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to help the team strengthen their grasp on fifth place in the constructors' championship.

With the results expunged, it means that both Williams are likely to be moved to the back of the grid, having qualified in P12 and P13, providing the team are able to fit rear wings that conform to the FIA's regulations.

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