Nico Hulkenberg's standout qualifying session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix turned bittersweet as the Haas driver received a three-place grid penalty for overtaking at the pit exit during Q1.
The penalty will drop Hulkenberg from fourth to seventh on the starting grid, a significant blow after his impressive lap secured him a second-row position behind the McLarens and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.
The pit exit at the Yas Marina Circuit is a notoriously tight tunnel that funnels drivers directly under the race track. Overtaking is strictly prohibited in this area unless a car ahead is visibly struggling with mechanical issues.
This rule was reiterated in a race director's note distributed on Friday, but Hulkenberg overtook both Sainz and Alpine's Jack Doohan while leaving the pits during the session.
The maneuver caused further chaos when Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, unaware of Hulkenberg's presence, nearly pushed the Haas driver into the wall while rejoining, a move that highlighted the risks associated with overtaking in such a confined space.
Following an investigation, the FIA stewards confirmed Hulkenberg's penalty, rejecting his defense that he had no choice but to overtake to complete his final lap in Q1.
"The driver did not dispute during the hearing that he did not follow the race director's instructions, but stated that he had no other option but to breach the rules in order to get a lap in," the stewards' report stated.
However, the panel emphasized that logistical challenges could not justify a breach of the rules.
"Whilst the stewards acknowledge that the position of the team's garages limits their options to send the cars out on track, this can never be used as an excuse to breach any regulations.
"The prohibition of overtaking in certain areas such as the pitlane or, in this case, the pit exit, is implemented to prevent potentially dangerous situations and therefore the stewards determine that a grid drop is warranted in this case."
Despite the penalty, Hulkenberg remained upbeat about his performance and his car's pace, attributing his strong showing at Yas Marina to a track layout that played to the strengths of the Haas.
"I think the characteristics of the track just somehow really clicked and suited our car," Hulkenberg said. "Our development has been around medium-speed corners, and you've got many of them here. Maybe it's that. The whole combination just somehow really worked well this weekend so far."
Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark Hulkenberg's final race with Haas before he transitions to Sauber in 2025.
Starting seventh, he will face a tougher challenge in his bid to end his stint on a high note, although his performance has already showcased his resilience and capability.
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