Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen Disqualified in Monaco

During the qualifying session of the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was in action.

Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were disqualified by stewards from the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying results due to an “inadvertent” breach of the rear wing regulations on both Haas cars. Haas, performing strongly in 2024, now faces a setback with their drivers disqualified from qualifying. During the qualifying session in Monte Carlo, stewards summoned the team following a report by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, putting Nico Hulkenberg and Magnussen’s positions in jeopardy.

The stewards’ statement confirmed that the disqualification resulted from Haas’ non-compliance with Article 3.10.10h of the Formula One Technical Regulations. Specifically, they found that the uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions exceeded the maximum allowed measurement of 85mm. Haas explained that this was an inadvertent error on their part in setting the wing flap gap, further clarifying that they had introduced a new wing design for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Unfortunately, the team had not trained its mechanics to set the gap correctly according to the new design, leading to the non-compliance. While Haas argued that there was no performance advantage gained from the non-compliance, stewards emphasized that compliance with the regulations is mandatory, regardless of any advantage gained. As a result both Hulkenberg and Magnussen were disqualified from the qualifying classification.

The team has accepted responsibility for the error and admitted their mistake. The stewards acknowledged that the wing was otherwise compliant with the Technical Regulations and the FIA technical team confirmed their satisfaction with the team’s explanation. Competitors can appeal stewards’ decisions within set time limits, as detailed in the FIA International Sporting Code. Appeals allow competitors to challenge and seek a review of the stewards’ decisions.

The stewards make decisions independently of the FIA basing them solely on relevant regulations, guidelines and presented evidence.

Cataleya