Williams F1 driver Alex Albon was disqualified from qualifying for the Dutch GP after his car failed technical inspection. The British-Thai driver had put in an impressive performance at the start, setting the eighth fastest time.

The investigation began shortly after Albon’s promising run when concerns arose about the technical conformity of his car, particularly its floor dimensions. The focus was on Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula 1 technical regulations, which sets out the permissible dimensions of the car’s floor.

The official statement from the race management explains the decision as follows:

“fact: It was found that the soil body is outside the permissible volume.

“Breach of contract: Violation of Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

“Decision: Vehicle 23 is disqualified from qualifying. All other vehicles move up in the ranking.

“The Stewards heard the statements of the team representative of Car 23 (Alexander Albon), the FIA ​​Technical Delegate, the FIA ​​Technical Scrutineer who carried out the measurement of the car and the FIA ​​Single-Seater Director.

“It was found that the bottom body of car 23 was outside the regulatory volume specified in Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

“The team did not contest the calibration of the FIA ​​measurement system and the measurement of the car, but stated that its own measurements had led to different results.”

“The Race Direction concludes that the result of the measurement carried out with the FIA ​​system in the Parc Fermé is the relevant one and that the proper procedure prescribed in the regulations was followed. Therefore, the standard penalty for such an infringement is imposed.”

Although the Williams team presented its own differing measurement results, it did not question the accuracy of the FIA’s measurements. As a result, Albon was given the usual penalty: disqualification from qualifying.

The Williams team was not spared other incidents either. During the third free practice session (FP3), Albon’s teammate Logan Sargeant had a serious accident that prevented him from taking part in qualifying. However, race control confirmed that Sargeant was allowed to take part in the Grand Prix.

Starting grid for the 2024 Dutch GP

(After penalties have been imposed)

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, Clean
19. Logan Sargeant, Williams – No Time
20. Alex Albon, Williams – Disqualified