Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified from the Bahrain Grand Prix after he was referred to the stewards for excessive skid block wear. The same regulation breach led to Lewis Hamilton’s omission from the classification in Shanghai earlier this season.
The experienced German racer executed a clean race at the Sakhir International Circuit, crossing the line in 13th after dominating rookie team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto throughout the weekend. However, Hulkenberg’s hard work was undone after an issue was flagged by the FIA during post-race inspections in Parc Ferme.
A report from the FIA stated: “The plank assembly of Car 27 was measured and found to be 8.4mm (LHS), 8.5mm (car centerline) and 8.4mm (RHS). This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 e) of the Technical Regulations.
“During the hearing the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. The team also acknowledged that it was a genuine error by the team.
“The Stewards determine that Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.”
While Hulkenberg’s disqualification made no difference to Sauber’s points haul from the Bahrain GP, it is a frustrating end to another difficult weekend for the Hinwil-based squad.
Jonathan Wheatley’s squad scored six points in a chaotic season opener in Australia, but have since looked like the slowest team on the grid with rookie Bortoleto still waiting for his first top-10 finish.
Former Red Bull man Wheatley is being tipped as the man to lead Sauber into their new era, with the Audi rebrand coming up at the end of the 2025 season. According to Hulkenberg, the Brit’s expertise could prove pivotal for the Hinwil squad.
“It’s been one race weekend; obviously he’s really busy, so many things [to look at], so many impressions that he has to digest,” Hulkenberg explained in Bahrain. “I think he obviously has to get an impression, a picture of how things are at the team, and slowly he will start working, making changes.
“Maybe, maybe not, I don’t know. But a man with his expertise and experience and success is just very useful to have for the future and going forward.” Wheatley left his role as sporting director at Red Bull in 2024, having joined Christian Horner’s organisation back in 2006.