Haas duo Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were disqualified from Monaco Grand Prix qualifying following a technical infraction on both cars.
Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen were both excluded from Monaco Grand Prix qualifying results after the American team’s VF-24 failed a post-session inspection.
The rear wing Drag Reduction System (DRS) mechanism on both of the Haas cars was found to be operating over the permitted maximum opening of 85mm by the FIA stewards.
The officials disqualified them as a result after Magnussen turned in the fifteenth-fastest lap in Q2, while Hulkenberg had qualified in the 12th spot. However, both drivers will be able to start the race, due to setting adequate lap times in practice.
The Technical Delegate Jo Bauer’s report stated: “The uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions were checked on car numbers 20 [Magnussen] and 27 [Hulkenberg]. The [left-hand side] and [right-hand side] outermost area of the adjustable elements were exceeding the maximum allowed 85mm on both cars.
“As this is not in compliance with [Technical Regulations] Article 3.10.10 h), I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”
The stewards stated: “The Technical Delegate discovered on examination that the uppermost rear wing element adjustable positions exceeded the maximum allowed under Article 3.10.10.h of the Technical Regulations of 85mm.
Haas admitted a mistake in setting up the wing, causing the DRS violation and while acknowledging the error, the disqualification – which equates to a self-inflicted wound for Haas – stings, especially considering the potential points on offer in Monaco on race day.
“The team explained that this was the consequence of an inadvertent error on their part in setting the wing flap gap. The wing used was a new design that was used for the first time in Monaco.
“The old design was set to be compliant with the regulations with the largest gap measured from the centre of the wing. Under the new design, the largest gap was at the extremities of the wing but the team had not trained its mechanics to set the gap per the new design, resulting in the non-compliance.”
As a result, Hulkenberg and Magnussen will start from the back of the grid, in 19th and 20th position, respectively.
Haas’ error should serve as a lesson to all teams, emphasizing the painstaking attention to detail needed to abide by the stringent rules of F1. Prior to the race team principal Ayao Komatsu said he was pleased the team had taken this step having chosen not to in previous seasons.
This is not the first time a driver has been disqualified for breaching the same rule as Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the sprint race qualifying session for the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix but Mercedes said the part was damaged.
