Williams disqualified from Singapore qualifying for rear wing breach

Singapore Saturday night ended in turmoil for Williams Racing after both of the team's cars were disqualified from qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix following postsession scrutineering at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. FIA Formula 1 technical delegate Jo Bauer reported that the uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions on car numbers 23 and 55 exceeded the maximum permitted opening of 85 millimetres on both outer sides when the Drag Reduction System was deployed.

Bauer's findings, citing noncompliance with TR Article 3.10.10 g, were referred to the stewards, who heard from Williams and the two drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. The stewards recorded that Williams admitted its own prequalifying measurements had shown the components to be within tolerance but accepted the FIA measurement, did not contest the methodology or equipment, and acknowledged the rear wings did not conform to the technical regulations. Team principal James Vowles said in a statement, "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...