The FIA has officially confirmed the disqualification of both Haas F1 Team drivers, Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, from the qualifying session of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. This decision came after the discovery of a technical infringement related to the rear wing design on both cars.
During post-qualifying inspections, FIA technical delegates found that the adjustable positions of the uppermost rear wing elements on both Haas cars exceeded the maximum allowed opening of 85mm, as stipulated in Article 3.10.10.h of the Technical Regulations. This violation is reminiscent of a similar incident in 2021 when Lewis Hamilton faced disqualification from Brazilian GP qualifying for a comparable breach.
As a result of this infraction, both Hülkenberg and Magnussen lost their original qualifying positions—12th and 15th, respectively—and were required to start the race from the pit lane. This setback significantly impacted Haas’s strategy for the race weekend.
In a separate incident, Haas driver Oliver Bearman received a ten-place grid penalty for overtaking Carlos Sainz under red flag conditions during the second practice session. Bearman admitted to the breach, stating he believed braking abruptly could have posed a danger if another car was close behind. However, the stewards deemed the action a clear violation of safety protocols.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix also introduced a new mandatory two-stop strategy, requiring teams to use at least three sets of tyres and a minimum of two different compounds during the race. This change aimed to enhance the spectacle of the event, traditionally known for limited overtaking opportunities.
These developments underscore the FIA’s commitment to enforcing technical regulations and enhancing race dynamics, even at the sport’s most historic venues.