Nico Hülkenberg reveals how the marshals were ‘celebrating’ after they helped the German driver get back on track in São Paulo. Neither the Haas driver nor the marshals realized at the time that Hülkenberg would be shown a black flag for the action. Hülkenberg is the first driver since 2007 to be disqualified in this manner.
During the race in São Paulo, Hülkenberg became the first driver since 2007 to be shown a black flag. The German was flagged because he was pushed back onto the track by the marshals after spinning out in lap 27. Outside assistance is prohibited, which is why the Haas driver was disqualified.
“I think it was actually going quite well on the intermediates, I was in a train with Pierre (Gasly) and Fernando (Alonso) for a long time before we made a pit stop,” the German reflects on his race to the media. “So I think we were doing well. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either.” However, things went downhill after the pit stop, according to the Haas driver.
Marshals Were Delighted
Nico Hülkenberg spun out at the Senna Esses, ending up off the track. The German driver was unable to get back on track by himself. “They (the marshals) came out, they pushed me off, and they were really pleased with themselves,” Hülkenberg continues. “They were celebrating and pushing me on, saying: ‘Come on, let’s go, this race isn’t over yet.’ At that moment, you don’t really think, you honestly don’t care, you just keep going and you don’t shy away from the consequences later.”
