F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hulkenberg hit with grid penalty following gearbox change

Renault's Nico Hulkenberg will be demoted five spots on tomorrow's Azerbaijan GP starting grid after his team was forced to replace the gearbox on his R.S.18.

The end of the German driver's FP3 session was disrupted by a mechanical issue that Renault traced to Hulkenberg's gearbox, the team deciding to replace the component before this afternoon's qualifying session.

The problem will put an end to the P7 qualifying streak Hulk has enjoyed in his last six Grands Prix.

Yesterday, the Renault driver was deprived of track time in FP2 as the French outfit replaced the R.S.18's floor, but brake issues also impacted his session.

"In FP2 I generally wasn't happy with how they felt or how they performed but that can happen sometimes," he said.

"They were also used brakes, which probably explains the biggest part of it."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

No more Mr. Nice Guy? Russell rejects Coulthard’s ‘ruthless’ advice

The gloves are off at Mercedes – except, according to George Russell, they very much…

1 hour ago

Storm warning: Miami Grand Prix braces for weather chaos

Formula 1 is ready to blaze back into life after a five-week break – but…

3 hours ago

Schumacher turns left - passes Indy 500 rookie test

A new chapter begins for Mick Schumacher – and it starts at full throttle. The…

4 hours ago

Depailler upholds Ligier's momentum in Spain

On this day in 1979, Patrick Depailler won the Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama for…

5 hours ago

Brundle sees ‘big step forward’ for Ferrari and Hamilton in Miami

This weekend’s Miami Grand Prix is shaping up as more than just another stop on…

6 hours ago

Alpine eye Miami magic as points streak gains momentum

Momentum is a powerful asset in Formula 1 – and right now, Alpine are riding…

7 hours ago