The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, qualified in fourth and fifteenth positions respectively for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is the 24th round of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Due to a three-place grid penalty imposed by the stewards for an infraction involving overtaking on the pit-lane […]
The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, qualified in fourth and fifteenth positions respectively for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is the 24th round of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Due to a three-place grid penalty imposed by the stewards for an infraction involving overtaking on the pit-lane exit, Hulkenberg will start Sunday’s race from seventh position. Magnussen benefitted from a 10-place penalty awarded to Charles Leclerc, who initially qualified in 14th, thus moving up to 14th on the grid.
Both drivers progressed from Q1 to Q2 with impressive lap times achieved on fresh sets of Pirelli P Zero Red soft tires. Magnussen clocked a 1:23.632 during his opening attempt, securing P7, while Hulkenberg advanced with a time of 1:23.722, placing him in P11, also on his first set of softs.
As Q2 began, both drivers started with a used set of Reds. A quick return to the pits led to a change to new soft tires. Hulkenberg then set a remarkable lap of 1:23.040, finishing Q2 as the third fastest driver and moving into Q3. Magnussen’s performance was hindered by damage to his car’s floor incurred in Q1, leading to his exit from qualifying in P15 with a time of 1:23.877.
In Q3, Hulkenberg shone again, ultimately securing P4 at the end of the session with another electrifying lap under the Yas Marina Circuit’s lights. His best time of 1:22.886 on fresh softs marked the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s finest qualifying performance of the year before his penalty was applied afterwards.
McLaren dominated the front row, with Lando Norris achieving pole position with a time of 1:22.595 and teammate Oscar Piastri following closely on 1:22.804.
Nico Hulkenberg:
“I was certainly anticipating a top 10 finish given our performance throughout the weekend, and the car felt strong. Achieving P4 was beyond what I hoped for. It was a solid session, thanks to a competitive car and fantastic teamwork. Tomorrow’s race will be a tight contest; Alpine has been strong recently, but we’re all very close, making it a matter of executing our race strategy and moments. Personally, I need to ensure we make the most of tomorrow and conclude our night successfully.”
Kevin Magnussen:
“It’s disappointing to have my final qualifying marred by performance loss from floor damage. I must rectify this in the race tomorrow. Our goal is to have a solid race and recover positions; the car has shown speed as I was P3 after my first run in Q1, leading me to believe it would be a promising session. Every driver is competitive, so it won’t be straightforward, but I aim to regain some ground in tomorrow’s race.”
Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal:
“I feel mixed emotions following qualifying. The car’s pace was impressive, and both drivers demonstrated great potential. Unfortunately, Kevin accrued significant damage while trying to yield to Hamilton, leading to major aerodynamic issues in Q2 that prevented him from qualifying for Q3.
“In Q1, Nico made an illegal maneuver by overtaking in the pitlane, resulting in a three-place grid penalty. This is disappointing, but his impressive Q3 performance illustrated our car’s strong pace. We have a robust package, and we aim to achieve the highest possible results.”
Today’s Data:
Event: Qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Saturday December 7
Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Layout: 5.281-kilometer (3.281-mile), 16-turn circuit
Weather: Clear
Air Temps: 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit)
Track Temps: 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)
Team Result: Hulkenberg qualified 4th*, Magnussen qualified 15th**
Notes:
*Hulkenberg starts 7th following 3-place grid penalty
**Magnussen starts 14th following Leclerc 10-place grid penalty
Free Practice 3 (FP3) Rundown:
Hulkenberg: 7th overall (1:24.093), 14 laps
Magnussen: 8th overall (1:24.094), 14 laps
Fastest: Oscar Piastri of McLaren (1:23.433)
Q1 Qualifying: 18-mins with all Drivers – Top 15 Advance to Q2
Magnussen: 7th overall (1:23.632) – Advanced to Q2
Hulkenberg: 11th overall (1:23.722) – Advanced to Q2
Fastest: Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari (1:23.302)
Q2 Qualifying: 15-mins – Top 10 Advance to Q3
Hulkenberg: 3rd overall (1:23.040) – Advanced to Q3
Magnussen: 15th overall (1:22.985)
Fastest: Carlos Sainz of Scuderia Ferrari (1:22.985)
Q3 Qualifying: 12-mins – Top 10 Drivers
Hulkenberg: 4th overall (1:22.886)
Pole: Lando Norris of McLaren (1:22.595)
