The Formula 1 qualifying in Monaco was already somewhat sobering for Haas. Neither Nico Hülkenberg nor Kevin Magnussen made it into Q3. On the street circuit in Monte Carlo, which is extremely hostile to overtaking, this already dampens the hopes of scoring points considerably. With 12th place, however, Hülkenberg was at least within striking distance of points. Or, to be more specific, he would have been.
After qualifying, things got even worse for the US troops. A technical inspection found that the DRS on both cars could be opened too far. Or as described in more detail in the report by the FIA’s technical delegate, Jo Bauer: “The extreme left and right areas of the adjustable elements exceeded the maximum permissible 85 mm on both vehicles.”
DRS incorrectly set: This is why Haas was disqualified
In short, the rear wing opening was simply illegal. A representative of the team was summoned in connection with the offence, but the breach of Formula 1 technical regulations was clear: Haas will be excluded from the qualifying result.
Haas explained the violation by saying that they had made an accidental error in the adjustment of the wing. The team from Kannapolis had brought a new rear wing to the start in Monaco. On the older model, the maximum opening was at a different point than on the new version.
Hülkenberg and Magnussen start from the pit lane
The Haas mechanics had not been trained to adjust the gap according to the new design, the stewards stated in their justification. Hülkenberg and Magnussen will both start the race from the pit lane, as Haas announced. In Monaco, this is a burden that cannot be made up under normal circumstances.
The offence brought back memories of the 2021 Formula 1 season. At that time, in the midst of the dramatic World Championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, the Mercedes driver was excluded from qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix following a subsequent inspection of the rear wing.
Back then, too, the DRS was opened too wide. Hamilton showed an impressive comeback over the course of the weekend (that time with a sprint) and celebrated one of his most impressive Grand Prix victories. A scenario that Haas probably cannot have imagined in their wildest dreams, and not just because of the track.
Hülkenberg acquittal irrelevant: No further penalty after qualifying
What became practically irrelevant after the disqualification: Nico Hülkenberg was also investigated because he had stood in Esteban Ocon’s way in turn 3 during qualifying. However, the stewards decided that Hülkenberg would not be penalized for this. The reason is simple: “We had a radio problem, so I didn’t get any information that he was coming,” said Hülkenberg.
The team informed him via radio about the Alpine, but Hülkenberg did not receive the radio message. Since the situation occurred in a blind corner, the stewards did not blame Hülkenberg personally for the incident. However, the decision would have been irrelevant for the starting grid anyway. After the exclusion from qualifying, the result of FP3 is decisive for the starting grid between the Haas drivers.
It wasn’t the 36-year-old’s only problem in qualifying. In another situation, he also touched the wall – but this contact had no consequences. He didn’t want to blame his Q2 exit for it: “I didn’t have the feeling that I had more in me. We got everything out of my last lap, it was clean. Unfortunately, we were only between P12 and P15 all weekend.”