Audi questions FIA’s 10-second penalty for Nico Hülkenberg at São Paulo GP

Audi has questioned the FIA’s decision to hand Nico Hülkenberg a 10-second penalty during the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his overtake on Franco Colapinto were open to interpretation. The German driver was penalised for overtaking the Alpine outside track limits on lap 49, but Audi sporting director Allan McNish believes the incident was far from straightforward.

The penalty was imposed after Nico Hülkenberg went beyond the limits of the circuit while passing Franco Colapinto. However, Audi maintains that the Alpine driver’s positioning and worn tyres played an important role in forcing the German to take avoiding action.

Allan McNish questions FIA penalty for Nico Hülkenberg

Explaining why Audi disagreed with the stewards’ interpretation, Allan McNish pointed to Franco Colapinto’s difficulties approaching the first corner and the impact this had on Nico Hülkenberg’s racing line.

“Colapinto’s tyres were already worn and he ran wide at the first corner. Nico was on the outside, and the Alpine moved even further out, forcing him to avoid contact. For us, it was by no means obvious that the overtake was illegal,” Allan McNish explained.

Why Audi refused to tell Nico Hülkenberg to give back the position

Allan McNish also explained why the Audi pit wall decided against instructing Nico Hülkenberg to return the position to Franco Colapinto. According to the sporting director, the circumstances made it difficult to establish whether the German had gained an illegal advantage.

“Determining the exact apex of that corner is complicated. Colapinto was a long way from the ideal racing line, and we didn’t have sufficient evidence to consider that the position should be given back. Nevertheless, we respect the stewards’ decision.”

Despite Audi’s disagreement with the FIA’s ruling, the penalty did not ultimately compromise Nico Hülkenberg’s result. The German served the 10-second sanction during his final pit stop before finishing the São Paulo Grand Prix in tenth place, securing one championship point for Audi in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ standings.