Nico Hülkenberg will be able to participate in the Sprint race, despite a rule that prevents him from doing so
While he had to withdraw from the Sprint Shootout without setting a time, the German Haas driver will still be able to participate in the Sprint race this afternoon.
In his misfortune, it can be said that Nico Hülkenberg is getting out of it with a pinch of luck. During the first session of the Sprint Shootout, the German driver from Haas was unable to set a time, due to an incident with his team in the pit lane: he lost a piece of carbon under his car just as his mechanic was lifting the device indicating that the pit lane was clear to go. The fault also lies with Haas for their risky strategy: the American team decided to wait until the last minute to send out their two cars, hoping to create a surprise on a track that was improving rapidly. A losing gamble.
According to the FIA regulations, Nico Hülkenberg would not have been able to participate in the Sprint race this afternoon, as he was unable to set a qualifying time within 107% of the fastest time established during Q1. However, Haas decided to take matters into their own hands to allow their driver to compete.
“The commissioners have received a request from Haas to allow Nico Hülkenberg to participate in the Sprint. In accordance with Article 39.4 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, the commissioners grant permission to car 27, driven by Nico Hülkenberg, to participate in the Sprint, as the driver has achieved satisfactory times during the practice sessions of this event,” states a press release, which was the only and unique session of this weekend that took place on Friday.”
“The car will be placed on the grid in accordance with article 42.2 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations,” concludes the statement, meaning it will start in last position for the Sprint race.
