Hulkenberg picks up three-place grid penalty for unsafe release

Nico Hulkenberg has been handed a three-place grid penalty for an unsafe release during Chinese Grand Prix qualifying in Shanghai.

The German driver made it through to Q2 but in the closing minutes of the session, he pulled his Force India off track at Turn 10.

Hulkenberg’s left-front Pirelli tyre fell off as he lapped the circuit, causing the red flags to emerge and bringing an early end to the second segment of qualifying.

The stewards deemed that Force India released Hulkenberg’s car in an unsafe manner and handed him a three-place grid penalty for the Chinese GP.

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"Car 27 was released in an unsafe condition as the wheel and tyre fell off at turn 10," the FIA statement said.

Hulkenberg qualified in 10^th place, making it through to Q3 but failing to take part, and will therefore drop to 13^th.