FIA announce LATE investigation for F1 star at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The FIA have announced a late investigation for an F1 star after qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

McLaren secured a front row lock-out for Sunday's race at Yas Marina, ahead of constructors' title rivals Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz setting the third fastest time.

F1 HEADLINES: FIA announce Hamilton verdict as MAJOR absence confirmed at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

F1 Qualifying Results: Hamilton OUT in shock early exit as Red Bull star has decision overturned at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc was relegated to P20 on the grid after his lap time was deleted, and a 10-place grid penalty was applied.

Lewis Hamilton also endured a woeful final qualifying session with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, where the champion hit a bollard and exited in Q1.

Nico Hulkenberg under investigation at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

However, one F1 star who enjoyed a spectacular result in qualifying was Nico Hulkenberg.

The German will compete in his final race for Haas on Sunday, as he prepares to move to Sauber for 2025.

Hulkenberg secured a sensational P4 result in qualifying, but the stewards could deliver a major blow to the star.

The 37-year-old has been placed under investigation for overtaking in the pit exit road, which is an alleged breach of Article 12.2.1 i) of the Sporting Regulations.

READ MORE: F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying delayed after freak accident

Haas are currently embroiled in a battle with Alpine and RB for sixth in the constructors' championship, with their fourth place grid position offering a major boost to the American team.

However, it has now been confirmed that Hulkenberg has been hit with a three-place grid penalty for Sunday's race for the incident.

An official statement said: "The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 27 (Nico Hulkenberg), team representative and reviewed marshalling system data, video, timing and in-car video evidence.

"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.

"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 as the pit lane 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."

READ MORE: Hamilton ROCKED by bizarre issue in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix nightmare

Related

Max Verstappen

Verstappen Abu Dhabi 2021 controversy marked with Red Bull deal

• December 12, 2024 13:56

Max Verstappen

Late FIA punishment verdict revealed after controversial Verstappen Abu Dhabi incident

• December 12, 2024 09:57