https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Audi Under Fire with Dual Investigations After US GP Practice Trouble
Highlights
- Audi drivers Bortoleto and Hulkenberg face US Grand Prix probes.
- Hulkenberg investigated for alleged practice start rule breach.
- Bortoleto accused of impeding Hamilton near Turn 12.
- Bortoleto carries 80-place grid penalty from power unit changes.
- Hamilton topped Free Practice 3 timesheets at COTA.
- Stewards to review evidence before deciding on penalties.
Audi faces two stewards’ probes after FP3 at COTA, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto under review for separate incidents.
Hulkenberg is investigated over a practice start conducted 11 minutes into FP3, at 12:41 local.
Stewards will examine whether the procedure met regulations on location and execution.
Sanctions for such breaches vary. Outcomes can range from a reprimand to grid penalties, depending on circumstances and any safety impact.
Separately, Bortoleto is accused of impeding Lewis Hamilton on a flying lap approaching Turn 12. Hamilton reportedly braked as Bortoleto remained on the racing line.
Hulkenberg investigated for a practice start at 12:41 local, 11 minutes into FP3.
The impeding rule is clear. A driver must not unnecessarily hinder another on a fast lap.
Telemetry, radio, and video will determine intent and the chance to avoid obstruction.
Bortoleto already carries an 80-place grid penalty after a double power unit change this weekend.
That tally follows concerns around the Audi power unit earlier in the year.
Hamilton’s FP3 benchmark underscores Ferrari’s pace and the premium on clear air at COTA.
[p_fervogear_custom]Hamilton topped FP3 at COTA, his first session benchmark in two years.[/p_fervogear_custom]
His Friday baseline, covered in practice analysis, points to a competitive package.
For Audi, these inquiries arrive at a sensitive phase of the United States Grand Prix weekend.
[p_fervogear_custom]Bortoleto is accused of impeding Hamilton at Turn 12 as the Ferrari driver pushed on a flyer.[/p_fervogear_custom]
Any grid drops would further compromise strategy and tyre usage in traffic.
The stewards will review onboard footage and GPS traces before ruling.
Their decisions could reshape starting positions and pit windows, especially if time penalties enter play.
Recent oversight trends at COTA, highlighted in our look at US GP infractions, show little tolerance for impeding.
Bortoleto already holds an 80-place grid penalty from a double power unit change.
Expect a swift, procedural verdict before qualifying.
Visual Summary
🔎 Under Investigation
Nico Hulkenberg
🛑 Practice Start Breach
12:41pm
12:41pm
First summoned
⚡
Gabriel Bortoleto
🚩 Impeded Hamilton
Turn 12
Turn 12
Already at
-80 grid penalty
-80 grid penalty
Lewis Hamilton
Flying Lap Blocked
Flying Lap Blocked
💥
Hamilton forced to brake hard at Turn 12
(First time topping FP3 in 2 years)
🛑
!
Audi faces
double trouble
(Penalties could shake up race)
double trouble
(Penalties could shake up race)
Pressure mounts on Audi as both drivers risk penalties at a crucial point in the F1 championship fight. With grid spots and strategies in jeopardy, the stewards’ verdict could reshape the entire US Grand Prix—all eyes on race day.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
