BREAKING : F1: Williams face potential double penalty as FIA investigate rear wing breach at Singapore Grand Prix… Read more
F1: Williams face potential double penalty as FIA investigate rear wing breach at Singapore Grand Prix
The Williams Formula 1 team could be in serious trouble at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix after both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon were placed under investigation for an alleged technical rules breach. The FIA confirmed that the pair’s cars have been referred to the race stewards following post-qualifying inspections, raising the prospect of both drivers receiving penalties that could significantly impact their starting positions for Sunday’s race.
After an impressive outing in Azerbaijan, where Sainz secured Williams’ first full-length race podium since 2017, the Grove-based team had been hoping to continue their momentum in Singapore. However, their qualifying session at the Marina Bay Street Circuit did not go as planned. Neither driver managed to reach Q3, with Albon setting the 12th-fastest time and Sainz finishing 13th. Despite the mid-grid results, both drivers were evenly matched — a continuation of their season-long intra-team rivalry, now level after 18 rounds.
Soon after qualifying concluded, the FIA issued a formal statement announcing that both Williams cars were being investigated for a potential infringement of the Technical Regulations. The statement, signed by FIA Formula 1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer, outlined that the issue centered around the adjustable rear wing element on both cars.
According to Bauer’s report:
> “The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 23 and 55. 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 Technical Regulations Article 3.10.10 (g), I am referring this matter to the stewards for their confirmation.”
In simple terms, this means that both Williams cars were found to have rear wing flaps that opened wider than the legal limit — a violation that can provide a measurable aerodynamic advantage by reducing drag and increasing straight-line speed. Such breaches have historically resulted in disqualifications from qualifying sessions, as seen in previous seasons when teams were found to have non-compliant drag reduction systems (DRS).
If the stewards uphold Bauer’s findings, Sainz and Albon could both face severe consequences. The most likely outcomes would either be disqualification from qualifying, which would relegate them to the back of the grid, or a grid penalty that effectively produces the same result given their current mid-pack positions. The decision will depend on whether the FIA deems the infraction to be the result of a mechanical failure, a setup miscalculation, or a deliberate breach of the regulations.
For Williams, the timing of the investigation is a major blow. The team has been enjoying a resurgence under principal James Vowles, showing consistent improvements throughout the season and firmly establishing themselves in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Sainz’s podium in Baku had boosted team morale, while Albon’s recent performances had underlined the FW47’s competitiveness on both high-speed and technical circuits.
Now, with both cars under scrutiny, the team’s Singapore campaign hangs in the balance. A double penalty could not only compromise their race strategy but also affect their fight for crucial championship points against rivals Haas and Aston Martin.
The FIA stewards are expected to announce their verdict before the race begins on Sunday. Until then, both Williams drivers — and the team — will be anxiously awaiting confirmation on whether their rear wing setup will result in one of the harshest double penalties of the season.
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