P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Hulkenberg stripped of stunning qualifying result by Abu Dhabi stewards
Nico Hulkenberg has received a three-place grid penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, losing his P4 spot due to a breach of regulations during the pit-road exit overtake instruction. This penalty pushes him back to P7 on the grid, impacting his best result since the 2020 70th Anniversary Grand Prix where he finished third. Despite Hulkenberg’s argument that he had no choice but to break the rules to get a lap in during Q3, the stewards rejected his reasoning, emphasizing that no excuse justifies breaching regulations. As a consequence of this penalty, Max Verstappen moves up to P4, Pierre Gasly to P5, and George Russell to P6, with Hulkenberg now starting seventh alongside Fernando Alonso. The Stewards’ decision was based on evidence and regulations, with competitors reminded of their right to appeal decisions in accordance with the FIA International Sporting Code.