F1 News: Nico Hulkenberg Weighs in on Monaco GP Crash That Ended His Race

Nico Hulkenberg speaks out after a first-lap incident at the Monaco Grand Prix resulted in a major crash involving multiple drivers including himself, leading to a red flag.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Haas F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg of Germany speaks during media availabilities at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The picturesque streets of Monaco proved unforgiving once again today as a dramatic first-lap incident brought an abrupt end to the day for several drivers. At the eye of the storm were Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, alongside Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. The clash occurred as Magnussen attempted a daring overtaking, resulting in contact and significant chaos on the circuit.

Veteran driver Nico Hulkenberg recounted the incident from his perspective to Sky Sports F1 on their broadcast.

"It was a typical lap-one racing accident. Two drivers who both didn't want to bail out and didn't give enough room on a tight track like Monaco, and I was the unlucky victim there," Hulkenberg said.

The crash had serious implications, not only for the drivers’ standings but also for the race itself. The damage to the barriers was significant enough to warrant a long red flag.

Internally, the incident will have likely stoked tensions within the Haas team. Veteran F1 journalist Ted Kravitz predicted tough conversations ahead within the team's ranks. "The stewards might be lenient or maybe not lenient on Kevin Magnussen, but that's going over nothing compared to what Haas boss Ayo Komatsu is going to be when he talks to his drivers. They were given a second chance by being allowed to start the race — and then this happened. Both out, and Sergio Perez being taken with it," Kravitz explained.

While the FIA opted not to pursue further investigation, claiming it as a racing incident typical of this circuit, the reaction among the F1 community and fans was mixed.