Nico Hulkenberg slapped with a grid penalty after a powerful Abu Dhabi GP qualifying

During his final qualifying session, the FIA slapped Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg with a 3-place grid penalty for breaching safety measures. The German driver secured an impressive fourth place ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. He will now start seventh during the main race behind Gasly.

He is driving his last race for the American team, and next year, he will join the Audi-backed Sauber F1 team alongside Gabriel Bortoleto. So, it's a farewell race for him, like Lewis Hamilton. His teammate Kevin Magnussen is also racing his last in Formula 1, as he didn't get any seats for next year.

Also Read: McLaren drivers stun Ferrari by showing lightning speed in Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying, Lewis Hamilton faces heartbreak

FIA Slaps Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg overtook another car inside the pitlane, which is prohibited and considered a dangerous move by the FIA. But the German had no chance as his team sent him out at the wrong time as many cars lined up in front of his garage located near the Pitlane exit.

After the qualifying session, the team was happy with the pace that they got all weekend. Haas was also very confident of finishing in the Top 10. But now they are at a disadvantage against Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. The race start will be crucial for the team, and it all depends on how good Nico starts.

ALSO WATCH: Mercedes driver George Russell times travels and gets Lewis's signature back

Haas and Alpine are in contention for sixth place in the constructors. If they finish in sixth, then they could receive some additional money from the pot after the end of the season. Alpine will also fight for the place as Pierre Gasly finished sixth next to his dear friend Verstappen.

The Alpine Team is five points ahead of Haas in sixth place. The American team needs to take care of Pierre Gasly, as he is the only threat from the Alpine. The other driver, Jack Doohan, is far away in P20. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is expected to be a thrilling race as McLaren and Ferrari will be fighting for 1st place in constructors, and in the midfield, Haas and Alpine will be fighting for 6th place. This year is full of surprises for the fans, and let's see what we get in the final race.

ALSO WATCH: Kevin Magnussen knocks Lewis Hamilton out of Q1 with a single bollard