Alex Albon, driver for Williams F1, found himself disqualified from the Dutch GP Qualifying session after his car failed a technical inspection. He had initially turned in a solid performance, earning the eighth fastest time, but issues regarding car compliance quickly came to light.
The controversy revolved around the floor dimensions of Albon’s car, which raised concerns under Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations that details the permissible measurements for car floors.
The Stewards provided clarity on their decision, stating:
Fact: The floor body was identified as being outside the regulatory volume.
Patrick Post/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Infringement: Violation of Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.
Decision: Car 23 is disqualified from the qualifying, moving all other cars up in ranking.
The Stewards listened to the input from Williams’ team representatives as well as the FIA officials involved in the inspection process. They confirmed that the floor’s measurement did not meet regulations.
While the Williams team presented different measurement results, they did not dispute the FIA’s calibration or findings. As a result, the standard penalty for this infringement was enforced—disqualification from qualifying.
Additionally, it was a tough day for Williams as Albon’s teammate, Logan Sargeant, suffered a major crash during Free Practice 3 (FP3), eliminating him from qualifying. Fortunately for Sargeant, he was still cleared to race in the Grand Prix.
2024 Dutch GP Starting Grid
(Post-penalties)
1. Lando Norris, McLaren
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Oscar Piastri, McLaren
4. George Russell, Mercedes
5. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
6. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
7. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
8. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
9. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
10. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
11. Yuki Tsunoda, RB
12. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
14. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
15. Daniel Ricciardo, RB
16. Esteban Ocon, Alpine
17. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber
18. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber
19. Logan Sargeant, Williams – No time
20. Alex Albon, Williams – Disqualified