Nico Hulkenberg was less-than-impressed with Franco Colapinto’s driving in Formula 1‘s Singapore Grand Prix, blaming the Argentine’s braking for his costly spin.
The Sauber driver was classified in a disappointing last place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, while Colapinto went on to finish 16th in the lead Alpine.
Hulkenberg was chasing Colapinto on Lap 43 when he clipped the back of the Argentine’s Alpine. The incident cost Hulkenberg his front wing endplate.
Then, on Lap 45, Hulkenberg spun at Turn 7 following some earlier-than-expected braking from his rival.
The German made his way back to the pits, but saw himself at the back of the pack and lost out on 19th to Pierre Gasly before the chequered flag.
The mistake compounded a poor few months for Hulkenberg who has seen his form drop dramatically since his maiden podium at the British Grand prix.
Speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, Hulkenberg conceded that he was “lucky not to hit anything.”
He added: “Franco braked 100 metres early, which I’m not sure why. Probably wanted to surprise me somehow – succeeded with that.
“But the problem is, when you get close, the rear downforce just drops away completely. The rear axle locked up instantly, and there’s nothing you can do then.”
Colapinto gives his take on Hulkenberg’s spin in Singapore
Colapinto, whose result sees him stake further claim for a 2026 Alpine seat, remained coy on the incident.
“I don’t know, I just saw him in the mirror spinning. I can’t tell you, he should tell you,” he commented.
Expanding on his race as a whole, the Argentine found that his team’s unique strategy contributed to a frustrating outing.
“Very long day, very tough, no pace in the car. I think it’s just a frustrating afternoon,” he continued.
“We did our best, with a strange strategy to try and make it work – and do something different to the others – but it didn’t work.
“Just a lot of degradation in the car, the tyres falling apart, and nothing really clicking together.
“It’s tough out there, it’s not what we want. We just need to keep pushing, but it’s definitely very difficult at the moment.”
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