Nico Hülkenberg Cleared to Race in Saudi Arabia Despite Bahrain GP Disqualification
Formula 1 veteran Nico Hülkenberg has been officially cleared to compete in the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, following concerns about a potential ban stemming from a post-race disqualification in Bahrain. Fans of the German driver can breathe a sigh of relief, as his absence from the grid this weekend has been ruled out.
Hülkenberg, who joined Sauber for the 2025 Formula 1 season, had a decent outing in Bahrain, finishing the race in 13th position. While he didn’t collect any championship points, his performance was notable. He managed to finish ahead of his new teammate, Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who is still searching for his first points in what has so far been a difficult debut campaign.
However, trouble emerged after the chequered flag. During the FIA’s routine technical inspections that follow every race, officials discovered that the skid block—commonly known as the “plank”—on Hülkenberg’s car had worn down below the minimum legal thickness. According to F1’s technical rules, this component must be at least 9 millimeters thick to ensure that cars don’t run too low, which would provide an aerodynamic benefit and potentially compromise safety.
This violation led to Hülkenberg’s disqualification from the Bahrain Grand Prix results. While disappointing, the ruling aligns with similar past decisions. Earlier in the season, Lewis Hamilton faced an identical issue at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he was stripped of a sixth-place finish due to excessive plank wear on his Mercedes.
Despite the setback in Bahrain, Hülkenberg’s disqualification does not extend beyond that single race. FIA regulations make it clear that technical infringements such as this one only impact the specific event in which the infraction occurred. Consequently, there are no ongoing penalties or suspensions that would prevent Hülkenberg from taking part in future races, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Concerns about potential race bans in Formula 1 are typically tied to a driver’s accumulation of penalty points on their super license, which are given for dangerous driving or other rule violations during races. Once a driver accrues 12 points within a 12-month period, they automatically receive a one-race ban. Hülkenberg is well below this threshold.
As of now, he has four penalty points to his name. These are set to expire gradually over the coming months. Two of those points were issued for forcing Fernando Alonso off track during the 2024 Austrian sprint race, while the remaining two came from a collision with Yuki Tsunoda at last year’s Italian Grand Prix. Neither of these incidents, however, pose a threat to his participation in upcoming events unless more infractions occur.
Sauber, Hülkenberg’s new team, is relying on the experienced German to help elevate their performance this season. Though the team has struggled to break into the points regularly, Hülkenberg’s consistent pace and ability to outshine his less experienced teammate demonstrate that he remains a strong asset. With the team focused on development and future growth, Hülkenberg’s leadership will be crucial.
The disqualification in Bahrain is undoubtedly a bump in the road, but it hasn’t dented Hülkenberg’s determination. He’s preparing to bounce back in Saudi Arabia and turn the page with a positive result. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its high-speed layout and narrow corners, will provide a new challenge and a chance for redemption.
F1 fans can expect Hülkenberg to be on the grid and ready to fight for a better finish this time around. With no looming penalties and a desire to push Sauber forward, his focus is firmly on the races ahead.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Hülkenberg and Sauber manage to capitalize on opportunities, avoid further technical pitfalls, and stay clear of penalty trouble. One thing is certain—Hülkenberg isn’t going anywhere just yet.
