Williams team boss James Vowles found himself baffled after a surprising decision by the FIA during the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying.
During the qualifying session in Bahrain, driver Nico Hulkenberg stunned the paddock by outqualifying Williams’ Alex Albon in Q1, securing what seemed to be a rightful place in Q2. However, a twist awaited everyone. Forty minutes post-Q1, the FIA made a ruling that sidelined Hulkenberg due to a track limits violation. This decision, albeit correct, came just too late for Albon to benefit by securing a Q2 slot.
Vowles expressed his disappointment to Sky Sports F1, stating, ‘I’m not feeling good about this. It’s frustrating.’ He highlighted the delay in the ruling, which left Albon without the chance to enhance his position further. According to Vowles, Albon was capable of potentially reaching Q3, but an unfortunate block during his Q1 out lap compounded their challenges.
The FIA, attempting to clarify the timing of the judgment, explained that Hulkenberg exceeded track limits at Turn 11 during Q1, but this wasn’t relayed until Q2. The entry to Q2 was thus decided with Hulkenberg’s invalid time, unresolved until it was too late. The FIA cited Article 11.9.2.a of their International Sporting Code, which gave them the authority to act even after the mistake had occurred.
Despite the FIA’s explanation, Vowles and Williams were left to consider their next steps. The stewards recognized that certain circuit sections require more scrutiny for track limits, and in this instance, Turn 11 was not on the priority list. The FIA contended they are evolving their system to avoid such errors in the future and openly admitted their oversight, stating, ‘We got it wrong.’
Williams is exploring options, including an appeal, though that promises to be an arduous task. The team is left pondering what might have been, had the ruling come promptly.
In the competitive world of Formula 1, split-second decisions can transform an entire race’s outcome. For Williams, the FIA’s delayed ruling in Bahrain is a reminder of how procedural errors can have lasting impacts on teams and drivers alike.
