P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Despite the high-tech world of F1, sometimes the most basic of tools can help.
James Vowles revealed that Williams had to use sandpaper to make their car legal for the Dutch Grand Prix due to an illegal floor. Despite Alex Albon’s strong qualifying performance, the floor was found to be illegal by millimeters, causing an unfortunate setback for Williams. Vowles confirmed that using sandpaper on the rear floor area resolved the issue and allowed Albon to compete, ultimately finishing 14th in the race. An ongoing investigation into the matter is being conducted to address the complex problem that led to the floor’s non-compliance.
The failure in passing the necessary checks was attributed to adjustments made on the floor, pushing it slightly over the legal limit. Vowles acknowledged the need for process changes to ensure compliance with FIA regulations in all sensitive areas of the car. He emphasized the importance of replicating the exact procedures followed by the FIA to avoid such issues in the future. The incident highlighted the precision required in Formula 1, as even minor measurements can impact a team’s performance on the track.
