Williams F1 driver Alex Albon was disqualified from the Dutch GP Qualifying session after his car failed a technical inspection. Initially, the British-Thai driver had showcased an impressive performance, clocking the eighth fastest time.
The scrutiny began soon after Albon’s promising run, when concerns regarding the technical compliance of his car surfaced, notably involving the floor dimensions. The focus centered on Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations, which specifies the allowed measurements of a car’s floor.
The official statement released by the Stewards explained the decision, stating:
“Fact: Floor body found to lie outside the regulatory volume.
“Infringement: Breach of Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.
“Decision: Car 23 is disqualified from the qualifying. All other cars move up in the classification.
“The Stewards heard from the team representatives of Car 23 (Alexander Albon), the FIA Technical Delegate, the FIA Scrutineer conducting the measurement of the car and the FIA Single Seater Director.
“The floor body of Car 23 was found to lie outside the regulatory volume mentioned in Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.
“The team did not dispute the calibration of the FIA measuring system and the measurement of the car, but stated that their own measurements have produced different results.
“The Stewards determine that the result of the measurement conducted with the FIA system in Parc Ferme is the relevant one and the due process prescribed by the regulations has been followed. Therefore the standard penalty for such an infringement is applied.”
Despite presenting their own differing measurement outcomes, the Williams team did not challenge the accuracy of the FIA’s measurements. Consequently, Albon faced the standard penalty: disqualification from the qualifying session.
The Williams team was not without other incidents; during Free Practice 3 (FP3), Albon’s teammate, Logan Sargeant, encountered a significant accident that prevented him from participating in the qualifying session. However, the Stewards confirmed that Sargeant would be allowed to race in the Grand Prix.
2024 Dutch GP Starting Grid
(After penalties have been applied)
1. Lando Norris, McLaren2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull3. Oscar Piastri, McLaren4. George Russell, Mercedes5. Sergio Perez, Red Bull6. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari7. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin8. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin9. Pierre Gasly, Alpine10. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari11. Yuki Tsunoda, RB12. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas14. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes15. Daniel Ricciardo, RB16. Esteban Ocon, Alpine17. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber18. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber19. Logan Sargeant, Williams – No time20. Alex Albon, Williams – Disqualified
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