FIA announce LATE investigation for F1 star at Abu Dhabi Grand

FIA announce LATE investigation for F1 star at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix …..read more

Th FIA has announced a late investigation into Nico Hulkenberg following his impressive qualifying performance at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The German driver, who will be competing in his final race for Haas before moving to Sauber in 2025, had an excellent result in qualifying, securing fourth place on the grid. However, a serious issue arose after the session when it was revealed that Hulkenberg was being investigated for a potential breach of the sporting regulations, specifically for allegedly overtaking in the pit exit area.

Hulkenberg’s outstanding qualifying performance was a major boost for Haas, as the team battles Alpine and Red Bull Racing for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. The strong position put the American team in a favorable spot for the race, but the investigation cast a shadow over his result. According to the stewards, the issue revolves around a potential violation of Article 12.2.1 i) of the Sporting Regulations, which prohibits overtaking in specific areas of the track, including the pit exit.

After the investigation, the stewards confirmed that Hulkenberg had been handed a three-place grid penalty for the incident. The investigation included a thorough review of multiple sources of evidence, such as marshalling system data, video footage, timing information, and Hulkenberg’s in-car video. During the hearing, Hulkenberg did not dispute that he had violated the rules by overtaking in the pit exit area. He explained that he had felt there was no other option but to breach the regulations to get a clean lap in. However, despite his reasoning, the stewards were clear that the breach of the regulations could not be excused due to the constraints of the garage positions or the track layout.

The stewards also acknowledged that the positioning of the team’s garages in relation to the track could limit options for drivers leaving the pit lane. Nonetheless, they emphasized that this was not a valid excuse for breaking the rules, as the prohibition on overtaking in certain areas, such as the pit lane and pit exit, is designed to maintain safety and prevent potentially dangerous situations. In this case, the stewards determined that a grid penalty was necessary to uphold the integrity of the regulations and ensure the safety of all drivers.

This decision came as a disappointment for Hulkenberg, who had been hoping for a strong finish to his time with Haas. The 37-year-old driver’s move to Sauber for the 2025 season marks a significant career shift, and he had hoped to end his tenure with Haas on a high note. While Hulkenberg’s performance on the track had been impressive, this penalty could significantly impact his race on Sunday, dropping him from a promising fourth position to seventh on the starting grid.

Hulkenberg’s penalty is a reminder of the strict nature of Formula 1’s rules and regulations, especially concerning safety and fair competition. The FIA has made it clear that safety protocols, particularly those related to track limits and pit lane rules, are non-negotiable, and drivers must adhere to them regardless of the circumstances. Despite his explanation, Hulkenberg’s actions were considered a breach of the rules, and the stewards’ decision serves as a warning to other drivers that they must carefully follow all regulations to avoid similar penalties.

In contrast, McLaren had a successful qualifying session, with both of their drivers securing places on the front row for Sunday’s race. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz managed to secure third, while Charles Leclerc faced disappointment after his lap time was deleted, relegating him to 20th on the grid. Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a disastrous qualifying session, crashing into a bollard during Q1 and failing to progress.

Hulkenberg’s investigation and subsequent penalty are likely to overshadow the excitement around McLaren’s front-row lock-out, as it brings attention back to the intricacies of qualifying and the importance of adhering to the rules. Despite the setback, Haas will still benefit from Hulkenberg’s strong position, though the penalty will certainly make it more challenging for him to score valuable points for the team in the race. The incident also highlights the often unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where even the most promising performances can be derailed by unforeseen rule breaches.