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Nico Hulkenberg Penalized Ahead of Final Race for Haas

Nico Hulkenberg, the driver for Haas Formula 1, has received a grid penalty that will see him drop from fourth to seventh place on the starting grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The decision follows a violation related to overtaking at the pit exit during qualifying.

During the qualifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit, Hulkenberg performed impressively, securing fourth behind both McLaren drivers and Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, and ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. However, his strong qualifying effort has been overshadowed by the impending penalty.

The unique configuration of Abu Dhabi’s pit exit, which passes under the main race track through a narrow tunnel, played a significant role in the controversy. On Friday, the FIA race director issued a reminder to all drivers that overtaking at this specific location is strictly prohibited unless a car ahead is visibly experiencing mechanical problems.

Despite this guidance, Hulkenberg overtook both Sainz and Alpine’s Jack Doohan as the drivers carefully navigated out of the pits in search of clear track space. This maneuver led to a precarious moment when Hulkenberg nearly collided with Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin, emphasizing the risks involved in overtaking at such a tight exit.

In front of the stewards, Hulkenberg defended his actions by claiming he needed to get a final lap time. However, they determined that this rationale did not justify breaking the rules, particularly in a situation where safety could be compromised.

“The driver admitted during the hearing that he violated the race director’s instructions, yet indicated he felt compelled to make the move to complete his lap,” the stewards noted in their decision. “The stewards recognize that the layout of the team garages can restrict drivers’ options, but this does not excuse breaching regulations.” They asserted that the prohibition against overtaking in specified areas like the pit exit exists to ensure the safety of all participants.

Reflecting on his qualifying performance, Hulkenberg expressed optimism about the car’s setup and track compatibility, stating, “I think the characteristics of the track just somehow really clicked and suited our car. Our development has focused on medium-speed corners, which are plentiful here.” He seemed pleased with the team’s progress heading into this crucial final race with Haas.

The outcome of the penalty emphasizes the ongoing challenges drivers face concerning safety regulations in Formula 1, especially in tricky situations like pit exits. As Hulkenberg prepares for his last race with Haas before transitioning to Sauber in 2025, the implications of today’s events will serve as a significant learning moment in his career.

Source
www.autosport.com