Williams launches 'urgent' investigation after double disqualification

Williams boss James Vowles has launched an "urgent investigation" into the team's double disqualification from Singapore Grand Prix qualifying.

Alex Albon qualified in 12th, one place ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz, but in regular post-race checks, the DRS slot gap was found to have exceeded the maximum 85mm opening permitted under the technical regulations.

As such, both cars were disqualified from qualifying, but obtained permission to start the race having set appropriate lap-times in practice.

During the investigation by the FIA stewards, it was found that Williams had measured the car with its own equipment before qualifying, and found it to be legal, but the team did not protest against the FIA's findings, as Vowles started an immediate investigation.

"During FIA scrutineering after qualifying, the rear wings on both our cars failed DRS slot gap checks," he said in a 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.

"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."