F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty at

F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix……read more

Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, has called for the race stewards to overlook a controversial penalty handed to Nico Hulkenberg during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hulkenberg, who has been performing exceptionally well throughout the season, qualified in fourth position for the race, putting his Haas car on the second row of the grid, ahead of the dominant Red Bull of Max Verstappen. However, his qualifying result came under threat after the session when it was announced that Hulkenberg would be investigated for potentially breaching F1’s sporting regulations by overtaking another car on the pit exit road. This issue was related to a possible violation of Article 12.2.1 i) of the F1 sporting regulations, which governs such actions. Following the investigation, Hulkenberg was handed a three-place grid penalty, dropping him from fourth to seventh on the starting grid.

The incident stirred up considerable debate, especially as Hulkenberg had shown remarkable pace during the session. His fourth-place qualification was seen as a standout performance, particularly given the competitive field. Rosberg, speaking on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, voiced his admiration for the achievement and expressed his belief that the stewards should have been more lenient. He praised Hulkenberg’s performance as “genius,” pointing out that the German driver had outqualified Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion, who had two attempts at setting a faster time. Rosberg described Hulkenberg’s performance as one of his best of the season, highlighting the rarity and significance of such an accomplishment, particularly for a driver racing for a team like Haas, which has not been considered one of the top teams in recent years.

Rosberg acknowledged that this was a special moment for Hulkenberg, who has often been overlooked despite delivering strong performances in a car that does not always provide him with the best equipment. For Rosberg, it was a case of appreciating the achievement for what it was—a rare moment of brilliance in a sport where such performances often go unnoticed unless delivered by drivers in the best cars. He implored the stewards to “close an eye” to the alleged rule infringement and allow Hulkenberg to keep his well-earned position. The former champion was clearly moved by the idea of rewarding Hulkenberg’s standout performance, suggesting that this particular case deserved a more forgiving approach due to the context of the achievement.

Unfortunately for both Rosberg and Hulkenberg, the stewards did not share the same view. Despite Rosberg’s pleas and the admiration for Hulkenberg’s performance, the penalty stood. The stewards ultimately decided that Hulkenberg’s maneuver on the pit exit road did indeed constitute an infringement, leading to the three-place grid drop. While this decision was in line with the regulations, it was seen by many, including Rosberg, as an unfortunate outcome for a driver who had produced a remarkable result.

This penalty was just one of several incidents in the 2024 season where drivers found themselves under investigation for various breaches of the rules, with some penalties sparking controversy among fans and pundits alike. Hulkenberg, known for his consistency and skill, had been a regular contender for strong qualifying results throughout the season, and this incident only added to the narrative of how difficult it can be for drivers to overcome the sport’s strict regulatory framework, especially when their performances are viewed as extraordinary.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend was also significant for other drivers, as it marked the end of careers and team transitions. Lewis Hamilton, for example, was set to leave Mercedes after 12 seasons and move to Ferrari, while Carlos Sainz was also participating in his final race for Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen were all set to leave the sport, making the race a bittersweet farewell for several drivers. Hulkenberg, who will be leaving Haas for Sauber in 2025, also had a significant future ahead, as he is set to race alongside Gabriel Bortoleto when Sauber transitions to Audi.

While the penalty for Hulkenberg overshadowed some of the excitement surrounding his achievement, it was still a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of Formula 1. Despite his disappointment, Rosberg’s comments highlighted the importance of celebrating outstanding performances, even if they come under scrutiny for minor infringements. Hulkenberg’s impressive qualifying effort would likely be remembered as one of the highlights of his season, even if it was not rewarded as it could have been.