F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…Read more
F1 champion calls for stewards to REVOKE controversial penalty at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg has called on race stewards to dismiss a controversial penalty imposed on Nico Hulkenberg during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The final race of the 2024 season at Yas Marina marks significant changes for many drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who will end his 12-year tenure at Mercedes to join Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz.
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen are set to retire, and Nico Hulkenberg will leave Haas to join Sauber in 2025 alongside F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto as the team transitions to Audi.
Hulkenberg delivered an outstanding qualifying performance, securing fourth place on the grid and outperforming Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.
However, his achievement came under scrutiny after he was investigated for allegedly overtaking on the pit exit road, a potential violation of Article 12.2.1 i) of the F1 sporting regulations.
Following the investigation, stewards handed him a three-place grid penalty.
Rosberg, speaking on Sky Sports F1, praised Hulkenberg’s performance, describing it as a remarkable feat to qualify so high in a Haas car.
He highlighted that Hulkenberg’s effort was one of the season’s most impressive moments, saying, “That was genius, to be in a Haas and outqualify Verstappen, who had two attempts!”
Rosberg urged the stewards to overlook the incident, stating, “Come on, stewards, just please close an eye for today and let him stay there.”
Despite Rosberg’s plea and the admiration of fans, the stewards upheld the penalty, demoting Hulkenberg from his P4 starting position.
Hulkenberg’s penalty sparked disappointment among fans and pundits who celebrated his remarkable performance in what has been a challenging season for Haas.
The controversy adds another layer of drama to a weekend already filled with farewells and transitions, as teams and drivers look ahead to the 2025 season.
Ultimately, while Hulkenberg’s stellar effort was acknowledged, the rules were strictly enforced, leaving him to start further down the grid for the season finale.
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