Williams driver Alex Albon was removed from the qualifying results for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, costing him his best-ever grid position in 2024.

Albon had qualified his upgraded Williams FW46 in a provisional eighth place this weekend, but two hours after qualifying, FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer reported the No. 23 Williams to the stewards because “the bottom body was outside the prescribed volume as set out in Article 3.5.1 a) of the Technical Regulations”.

The subsequent decision by race control – Albon’s disqualification based on the results – revealed that Williams “did not contest the calibration of the FIA ​​measurement system and the measurement of the car, but stated that their own measurements had led to different results”.

However, this was irrelevant to the outcome of the hearing, as the FIA ​​measurement in the Parc Fermé and the “proper procedure prescribed by the regulations” in carrying out said measurement are sufficient to classify a car as non-compliant.

The decision will see Albon relegated to the back of the field alongside teammate Logan Sargeant, who missed qualifying after a serious accident in the final practice session.

However, it is not yet clear whether Albon will have to change the floor specification and thus start from the pit lane instead of the back row.

“We are incredibly disappointed with this outcome and will conduct a thorough investigation and provide an update soon,” Williams said in a statement.

This moves Lance Stroll up to eighth place, Pierre Gasly to ninth and Carlos Sainz into the top 10.

Zandvoort marks the debut of Williams’ first major aerodynamic and performance-focused upgrade package of the season. The changes made to the FW45 include – perhaps crucially – a new underbody.

It is the first part of a two-part upgrade, the second half of which addresses the balance issues that have frustrated both drivers all season.

“Because of the wind it was difficult to see how much strain we were putting on the car. What I can see, however, is that the car has not changed in terms of its feel,” said Albon after qualifying.

“So the balance has stayed the same. Some of our restrictions in the corners haven’t improved. It’s just a general weight reduction and an increase in downforce. So when I’m driving around, I don’t actually feel like I’m any different, but the lap times are three or four positions higher.”

“We have another upgrade for the next races with which we want to further improve the balance of the car. I’m very interested in that and I’m very excited about it. We’ll see. But for now it’s a good start.”