Source: Official Team Post via X
FIA Probes Audi Incidents Involving Hulkenberg and Bortoleto
Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto are under scrutiny by the FIA following separate incidents during FP3 at the United States Grand Prix. Bortoleto potentially impeded Lewis Hamilton, while Hulkenberg was involved in a pit-lane altercation with Lance Stroll.
The FIA has set its sights on both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto from Audi after a lively FP3 session at the United States Grand Prix. Bortoleto might have disrupted Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton as the latter approached Turn 12, leading to an abandoned flying lap and some choice words from Hamilton over the radio. This incident has prompted a post-session investigation.
In a parallel Audi drama, Hulkenberg has been called to account for a separate incident in the pit lane with Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, happening just 11 minutes into the session.
Bortoleto already faces a significant grid penalty for exceeding the season’s limit on engine components. Audi has equipped him with a fourth Control Electronics unit and a fourth Energy Store, incurring two penalties of ten grid spots each. Additionally, his car has received a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and exhaust within the season’s allocations.
Meanwhile, Alpine's Franco Colapinto will take a 10-place grid penalty due to a fourth Control Electronics installation, surpassing the three-unit limit. Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad is also penalized, with a five-place drop for using a sixth internal combustion engine, exceeding the permitted four.
The FIA's investigations and the resulting penalties add another layer of intrigue to the United States Grand Prix weekend, as teams navigate the complexities of component limits and competitive tensions.