FIA disqualifies F1 driver from Dutch GP after failed check

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

The scrutiny began shortly after Albon’s promising run when concerns were raised about the technical compliance of his car, particularly in relation to the dimensions of the floor. The focus was on Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula One Technical Regulations, which specifies the permitted dimensions of a car’s floor.

An official statement issued by the Board explained the decision, stating:

“Fact:The floor body was found to be outside the regulatory volume.

“Infringement:Violation of article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

“Decision:Car 23 is disqualified from qualifying. All other cars advance in the standings.

“The stewards heard from representatives of the car 23 team (Alexander Albon), the FIA ​​technical delegate, the FIA ​​controller who measured the car and the FIA ​​Single Seater Director.

“The floor of car No. 23 was found to be outside the regulatory volume referred to in Article 3.5.1 a) of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Regulations.

“The team did not dispute the calibration of the FIA ​​measurement system or the car’s measurements, but stated that their own measurements gave different results.

“The stewards rule that the measurement result carried out using the FIA ​​system at Parc Ferme is correct and that the correct procedure set out in the regulations was followed. The standard penalty for such an infringement is therefore applied.”

Despite submitting their own differing results, the Williams team did not question the accuracy of the FIA ​​measurements. As a result, Albon was given the standard penalty: disqualification from the qualifying session.

Williams have not been without their share of other incidents; during FP3, Albon’s team-mate Logan Sargeant was involved in a serious crash that prevented him from taking part in qualifying. However, stewards confirmed that Sargeant would be fit to race in the Grand Prix.

2024 Dutch GP Starting Order

(After penalties have been imposed)

1. Lando Norris, McLaren
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Oskar 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, defender
16. Esteban Ocon, Alpine
17. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber
18. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber
19. Logan Sargeant, Williams – No time
20. Alex Albon, Williams – disqualification