Two F1 stars face Singapore GP disqualification as cars fail FIA tests

Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz are both heading for disqualification from qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix after their Williams cars failed inspection at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The Williams duo qualified 12th and 13th in a quiet Singapore GP qualifying session, but disaster struck in Parc Ferme when their FW47 machines were deemed to have flouted the technical regulations.

"The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55," explained technical delegate Jo Bauer. "Both cars exceeded the maximum limit of 85 mm on both sides of the rear wing outer area. As this is not in compliance with TR Article 3.10.10 g. I am referring this matter to the stewards for their confirmation."

"They are both going to get disqualified," Ted Kravitz reported to Sky Sports F1 viewers. "We believe it's actually the DRS which is opening too much. It has [not] passed the 85mm test. We saw this with a few cars in the past, but certainly not this year."

Kravitz added: "Clearly, it's a mistake. You don't put a car into qualifying or into the race knowing it's illegal. There is no point; you'll get found out and you'll get disqualified. So there has been a mistake somewhere, and that's what James Vowles, right there, is trying to understand with his engineers and with Pat Fry, who is the technical director."

Offering his analysis on a potential cause, Kravitz continued: "The fact that it is on both cars would indicate that it is either an assembly or manufacturer problem. So this isn't the same as the assembly problem that Haas had a race or two ago.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express F1 newsletter, or join our WhatsApp community here.

"Do you remember... I think it was Esteban Ocon's car that was disqualified from qualifying last time out in Baku? So it's not actually to do with that. This seems to be actually that the car's DRS was too far open when the uppermost limit is open."

Elsewhere in qualifying, George Russell clinched pole position after a commanding Q3 performance, beating Max Verstappen to the P1 grid slot by nearly two-tenths of a second. There was drama involving the Dutchman, who was unimpressed with Lando Norris.

The reigning world champion accused his friend and title rival of blocking him in the final sector. Norris was only able to qualify fifth at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, while team-mate Oscar Piastri, who leads the World Championship by 25 points with seven races remaining, was third behind Russell and Verstappen.