Hulkenberg opts to change set-up: Haas driver starts from pitlane

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pitlane start for hulkenberg in baku after set-up change
30 April 2023 at 10:23
Last update 30 April 2023 at 11:19
  • GPblog.com

Nico Hulkenberg, like Esteban Ocon, will start the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pit lane. The Haas F1 driver still set the 17th fastest time in qualifying on Friday, but will thus have to join at the very back once the lights go out.

The reason for the pitlane start is to change the set-up. In doing so, the German is breaking the parc fermé rules, which means he has a catch-up race ahead of him this Sunday. With his car's new set-up, Hulkenberg hopes to get closer to points, despite having to come from just a little further away as a result.

Nyck de Vries takes advantage. He was on P20 in qualifying, but will thus be at least eighteenth through the first corner.

FIA document on Hulkenberg