Nico Hulkenberg has pointed to Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll as responsible for a pitlane collision during qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix. The incident, which took place at Spa-Francorchamps, involved both drivers in the pitlane as Hulkenberg’s Sauber suffered front wing damage. The German driver insists that he followed the correct procedure, while the stewards prepare to determine fault in the coming days.
Hulkenberg Defends His Position but Calls the Situation “Peculiar”
After qualifying, Hulkenberg defended his actions leading up to the collision, explaining that when a car’s front wheel crosses the white line separating the pitlane’s fast and slow lanes, the driver already in the fast lane must yield. Hulkenberg believed he had the right of way, expecting Stroll to allow him to merge safely, but this did not happen.
So we touched. A bit peculiar and obviously unnecessary that we lose a front wing like this. I hope we can recover it. But yeah, we’ll see.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Pressed on whether he had the priority in the pitlane, Hulkenberg remained measured:
Well, we’ll see. I think we’ll go to the stewards and see what they say.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
Rules Outline Priority in the Pitlane, With Key Details on Right of Way
The FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations clarify that drivers in the fast lane have precedence over those merging from the working lane, but only if the merging car has not fully crossed the white line. The official race director’s notes specify that a vehicle is considered “in the fast lane” when an entire tyre crosses the solid white line dividing the lanes. This clear delineation is critical when judging responsibility for such incidents.
It is noted that a car will be considered to be ‘in the fast lane’ when a tyre has crossed the solid white line separating the fast lane from the inner lane, in this context crossing means that all of a tyre should be beyond the far side, with respect to the garages, of the line separating the fast lane from the inner lane,
the race director’s notes state.
The guidelines also instruct drivers to merge into the fast lane only when it is safe and without causing unnecessary obstruction to those already in the lane.
Thus, after the start or re-start of a Free Practice Session, Sprint Qualifying or Qualifying Session, if there is a suitable gap in a queue of cars in the fast lane, such that a driver can blend into the fast lane safely and without unnecessarily impeding cars already in the fast lane, they are free to do so.
—Race Director’s Notes
Stroll’s Perspective and Upcoming Steward Review
Lance Stroll, who was eliminated in Q1, described the collision as a result of him trying to maintain his position in the queue. He stated that he did not feel obliged to yield to Hulkenberg.
I was just doing my thing in the queue. And yeah, I think he was trying to get his nose in the queue,
Stroll explained.
I didn’t have to [let him in]. I mean, I was in the queue.
—Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
Both drivers have been called before the stewards to address a potential violation of Article 34.8 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which governs conduct in the pitlane. The stewards’ decision will be closely watched, as it could influence both drivers’ prospects for the remainder of the race weekend.
Hulkenberg Prepares for a Challenging Race Ahead
Despite the incident, Hulkenberg looks ahead to the race with caution, especially with changing weather expected at Spa-Francorchamps. The German driver anticipates that adapting to the dynamic conditions will prove difficult for all competitors.
You know, it’s very tough and difficult, especially around here in Spa. It’s such a long lap as well. It can be very different conditions between one place and another place on the track. So, difficult task for everyone coming up I would say.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber
For Hulkenberg, the collision means having to overcome added challenges, as he hinted that recovery during the race may be complicated by his damaged car and the unpredictable weather. The outcome of the stewards’ investigation will also factor significantly into both drivers’ strategies moving forward.