Nico Hulkenberg secured a shock front row spot for Haas F1 Team at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix in qualifying on Saturday, but a penalty means he will drop to fifth place on the grid.
Hulkenberg qualified in second position in a qualifying session which was affected by wet weather and red flags. He posted the second-fastest time in wet conditions in Q3 mere moments before the session was stopped when McLaren’s Oscar Piastri crashed out.
The rain intensified further, meaning further improvements were not possible, sealing Hulkenberg’s position. But post-session, he was investigated for driving too quickly under the red flag and stewards handed him a three-place grid penalty.
Hulkenberg’s penalty promotes Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso to the front row of the grid.
Runaway points leader and defending two-time champion Max Verstappen, who won in Canada last season, secured a comfortable pole position.
Elsewhere it was another frustrating day for Ferrari. Carlos Sainz crashed in practice, qualified eighth, and will drop to 11th due to impeding Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Charles Leclerc will start only 10th after Ferrari ignored his slick tire request in Q2 in evolving track conditions.
“I think we are just making our life way too difficult in those situations,” said Leclerc. “I had a clear opinion. We decided to do something else. I am frustrated.”
Floridian Logan Sargeant will start from 18th in the Williams.
