Audi Handed Heavy Fine Following Nico Hulkenberg Pit Stop Incident

Pulse Sports Team 15:47 - 04 October 2026

Audi has been handed a €30,000 fine by Formula 1 stewards following a dangerous pit-stop incident involving a mechanic during Nico Hulkenberg's stop. However, €20,000 of the total penalty has been suspended.

The incident took place during a late Safety Car period at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Confusion unfolded during the final tyre change when Hulkenberg was released while a mechanic was still adjusting the front wing angle.

The German driver was initially shown the green light to depart, but thanks to the team's safety protocols, the release controller conducted a secondary check and immediately switched the signal back to red. Hulkenberg reacted instantly, coming to a halt within 0.2 seconds and avoiding contact with the mechanic.

Following a review, the stewards determined that while the car had not completely crossed the threshold of a full unsafe release, the premature signal created a genuine safety hazard. A €30,000 fine was issued, with two-thirds suspended for a 12-month period. Audi will only pay €10,000 provided they commit no similar infringements over the next year.

In the race itself, Hulkenberg finished in 11th place for the fourth time this season, narrowly missing out on the points after being beaten to the flag by Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad.

"In response to queries regarding Nico's pit stop during the race, we can confirm there was no contact between the car and the front-left mechanic. The front wing adjustment tool jammed, but the system responded and, after 0.2 seconds of green light, the red signal was shown to the driver once more. Nico stopped in time, and the stop was completed safely. The team member was uninjured and continued participating in all subsequent stops," the team said in a statement.

After the race, the German driver voiced his concern and hoped the crew member was unhurt: