Decision Car 27 Incident With Car 23 In Turn 17
Date 01 December 2019 Time 22:30 2019 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 28 November - 1 December 2019 The Stewards Title Championship Points Description Championship Points · 2019 · 30 November 2019 · Doc 24
- Driver
- Nico Hulkenberg
- Team
- Renault F1 Team
- Session
- Practice 3
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager, Renault F1 Team
Document 24
Date 30 November 2019
Time 15:56 2019 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 28 November - 1 December 2019 The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 20 & 21) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 27 - Nico Hulkenberg Competitor Renault F1 Team Time 14:25 Session Practice 3 Fact Alleged Impeding of car 23 in turn 17. Offence Alleged breach of Article 31.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision No Further Action. Reason The Stewards reviewed video evidence, heard from the drivers of Car 27 (Nico Hulkenberg) and Car 23 (Alexander Albon) and the team representatives. The Stewards found that Albon had been impeded by Hulkenberg at turn 17. Hulkenberg was asked by his team to slow down and build a gap and was informed about the two Mercedes cars being behind him. He was not, however, informed about Albon approaching on a fast lap. So, he approached turn 17 on the racing line but at a slow pace resulting in a situation where Albon had to take evasive action by turning into the runoff area. The Renault team should clearly have taken steps to make Hulkenberg aware of Albon's rapid approach and failed to do so. But for the runoff area, the situation could potentially have posed a danger to one or both cars (and drivers). Having said that, the presence of the two Mercedes cars in between Hulkenberg and Albon certainly contributed to the incident. We therefore decided not to take any further action. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Article 9.1.1 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.