Sauber's Disqualification Sparks Inquiry
Nico Hulkenberg's disqualification after the Bahrain Grand Prix has raised questions within the Sauber Formula 1 team. Hulkenberg crossed the line in 13th place but was disqualified due to a fundamental technical violation: his car’s skid plank was measured at 8.4mm, below the mandatory 9mm threshold.
Understanding the Incident
This incident marks the second time this season that a driver has faced disqualification for similar reasons, highlighting a concerning trend. Sauber team veteran Beat Zehnder expressed confusion over the skid wear issue, stating, "We really don't know why we're below 9mm." He suggested that limited laps in the final practice session may have impacted their data collection.
Bahrain Circuit Challenges
Zehnder acknowledged the difficulties presented by the bumpy Bahrain circuit, which can increase wear on the skid plank. However, he emphasized that the team does not intend to use the circuit's characteristics as an excuse. "It's a mistake from our side," he clarified, stressing the importance of adherence to regulations, particularly when point-scoring opportunities are at stake.
Performance Discrepancies
Further analysis has shown notable differences between Hulkenberg's car setup and that of his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. The team believes Hulkenberg’s configuration, which favored more downforce, contributed to their contrasting performances during the race weekend.
Looking to Improve
Despite having secured points in a chaotic race in Australia, Sauber has struggled to maintain comparable performance in subsequent events. Zehnder indicated that improvements in qualifying times are essential, emphasizing that a lap time gain of two to three tenths of a second is crucial for better grid positions. "Starting from P13 or P16 makes a significant difference," he noted.
Future Challenges
As the team prepares for upcoming races, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Zehnder remains focused on finding solutions to enhance the car's performance. The varying temperature conditions and track characteristics will challenge teams to adapt effectively as the season progresses.
