F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty...

F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty…read more

In a dramatic turn of events at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has publicly called on the race stewards to revoke a controversial penalty imposed on Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg. The incident in question occurred during the qualifying session, where Hülkenberg delivered a sensational performance to secure a remarkable P4 position, outqualifying reigning champion Max Verstappen and the dominant Red Bull team.

As the final race of the 2024 season looms, many drivers are reflecting on their futures in the sport, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marking the end of multiple significant chapters. Lewis Hamilton, for instance, is set to leave Mercedes after an illustrious 12-season tenure, making way for Carlos Sainz to join the team. In addition, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen will be departing Formula 1, leaving the sport altogether. Another driver bidding farewell to his current team is Hülkenberg, who will leave Haas to join Sauber in 2025, marking a pivotal moment in his career as the team transitions to Audi.

Despite the swirling news surrounding the departures and arrivals, it was Hülkenberg’s brilliant performance in qualifying that stole the spotlight. The German driver, known for his raw talent and consistent showings, managed to secure an impressive fourth-place grid position in a Haas car that, on paper, is not expected to challenge the front-runners. His performance was particularly remarkable given that he outqualified Max Verstappen, who had two attempts to improve his time but could not match Hülkenberg’s pace.

However, the joy of Hülkenberg’s qualifying result was short-lived. Shortly after the session, race officials announced that they would investigate the German driver for a potential breach of the F1 sporting regulations, specifically Article 12.2.1 i), which pertains to overtaking on the pit exit road. The concern was that Hülkenberg may have gained an advantage by overtaking another car while leaving the pit lane, an action considered illegal under the rules of the sport. This investigation cast doubt on whether his impressive P4 position would remain intact, leading to a tense wait for the final decision.

As the race stewards deliberated, Rosberg, who had been watching the events unfold, voiced his support for Hülkenberg. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, the 2016 World Champion expressed his admiration for the Haas driver’s performance and urged the stewards to take a lenient approach. Rosberg said, “We ought to big this up a bit more. That was genius, to be in a Haas and outqualify Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, who had two attempts!” He went on to praise Hülkenberg’s consistency throughout the year, highlighting that this qualifying session was among his best of the season.

Rosberg continued, “This was genius, he’s been producing this so many times this year but this was his best. So, so special with that car – this is the moment where I thought ‘Come on stewards, just please close an eye for today and let him stay there!'” His impassioned plea for Hülkenberg to be allowed to keep his position was shared by many fans and commentators, who felt that the driver’s achievement deserved to be celebrated rather than overshadowed by a technical infringement.

Unfortunately for Rosberg and Hülkenberg, the stewards ultimately decided not to let the matter slide. After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that Hülkenberg had indeed violated the rule regarding overtaking on the pit exit road. As a result, the Haas driver was handed a three-place grid penalty, which saw him drop from P4 to P7, significantly altering his starting position for the race.

The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. Many felt that the penalty was harsh, particularly given the significance of Hülkenberg’s achievement in a midfield car. Others argued that the rules must be upheld strictly to maintain fairness and consistency in the sport. Regardless, the controversy surrounding Hülkenberg’s penalty added another layer of drama to what was already shaping up to be an exciting season finale.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close, the focus will shift to the future for both drivers and teams. Hülkenberg’s penalty may have overshadowed his performance in Abu Dhabi, but it does little to diminish the talent and potential he will bring to Sauber in 2025. Meanwhile, the spotlight will turn to the final race, where drivers like Hamilton, Sainz, Bottas, and others will be bidding farewell to their teams, marking the end of an era in Formula 1.

The penalty controversy is just one of many storylines that will define the 2024 season, but it also highlights the razor-thin margins that separate success and failure in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. With the season finale in Abu Dhabi now upon us, the question remains: will there be any more surprises in store as the sport heads into its next chapter?