FIA announce LATE penalty verdict for F1 star at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The FIA have announced a late penalty verdict for a Formula 1 star at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lando Norris will start Sunday’s race in pole position, after McLaren came out on top in their battle against Ferrari for the constructors’ championship.

F1 HEADLINES: FIA announce last-minute Hamilton change as investigation launched at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

READ MORE: Sky F1 presenter ABSENT from Abu Dhabi GP with health update

Whilst Carlos Sainz will start a respectable P3, his team-mate Charles Leclerc will have to fight his way back from P20 after being slammed with a 10-place grid penalty.

However, it was Nico Hulkenberg who stole the headlines in Abu Dhabi, after he set the fourth fastest time in a spectacular result for Haas.

FIA announce Nico Hulkenberg penalty decision

However, the German driver was placed under investigation by the FIA for an alleged infringement during qualifying.

According to the governing body, Hulkenberg overtook two cars in the tunnel section of the pit exit road, which is a breach of Article 12.2.1 i).

Whilst the stewards acknowledged that the position of the team’s garages limited their options to send a driver out on track, they concluded that overtaking in the pit exit could lead to a potentially dangerous situation.

Therefore, Hulkenberg received a three-place grid drop and will start the race in P7, crucially behind his Alpine rival Pierre Gasly.

Haas are currently vying with Alpine and RB for sixth in the constructors’, with the American team only five points away from catching the French outfit.

However, the Haas has demonstrated strong pace across the Abu Dhabi GP weekend, and Hulkenberg will have an opportunity to take the fight to Alpine on the track.

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

Related

F1 News & Gossip

Jos Verstappen escalates FIA row as he calls for MAJOR departures

• December 23, 2024 10:57

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen issues DEFIANT statement following FIA penalties

• December 21, 2024 10:58