Hulkenberg reacts to losing front row spot in Canadian GP

Nico Hulkenberg was welcomed like a hero by Haas on Saturday after qualifying alongside Max Verstappen on the front row of the grid. However, he was not allowed to enjoy the result for long as the stewards imposed a three-place grid penalty on him.

After qualifying, Hulkenberg was one of the many drivers who had to report to the stewards. He was found guilty of breaking the rules during a red flag situation and was given a three-spot penalty for doing so. According to the stewards, this would normally have been a ten-place grid penalty, but there were extenuating circumstances.

Speaking to Formula1.com, Hulkenberg reacted to the penalty. "A bit of a shame, but P5, if someone had told us that on Friday we would have definitely taken it. Still a very good starting spot for us," said the 35-year-old German.

He continued: "Very different circumstances obviously today. Not sure what's going to happen, but I feel ready and wanna go race." As for his race pace, he is not sure yet what to expect. "We'll find out, it's a bit of an unknown. Friday in the one session I didn't get to run much, but I know my car and I'll give it everything."