F1 News
Williams hit with this penalty after failing to submit rear wing footage
Williams have now had their meeting with the stewards and the FIA regarding their failure to submit video footage of their rear wing, a meeting that was deferred until Saturday morning in Shanghai at the Chinese Grand Prix. Now, their penalty has been given.
Williams Racing were under investigation over an alleged breach of articles 3.2.2 and 3.15.16 of the Formula One Technical Regulations after they failed to submit video footage of their rear wing, a measure implemented by the FIA in a bid to maintain stricter control on the controversial mini-DRS effect, with teams taking advantage of the flexibility of their rear wing under load at full speed to gain a sporting advantage.
Williams should have, as prescribed in the regulations, provided the FIA cameras with an empty SD card. Williams had assumed that the FIA would provide this, without checking with the FIA, meaning they were under investigation and in line for a penalty.
Williams hit with a hefty fine
According to the stewards, the team had assumed that an email from the FIA would arrive in which it would be made clear that the teams themselves had to supply an SD card. Due to the absence of such an email, Williams assumed that the FIA would supply an SD card in the supplied cameras.
During the session, Williams noticed that there was a flashing light on the camera, but that didn't make any light come on for the team. They didn't know what the light indicated. In addition, it was already too late to put an SD card in the camera.
As a result of this, James Vowles' team have been handed a substantial fine for not handing over their rear wing footage in time. The fine in question is a 50,000 euros fine, of which 40,000 of it is conditional, needing to be paid by December 31, 2025.
