On Sunday in Brazil, Nico Hülkenberg had the dubious honour of being the first driver since 2007 to receive a black flag, signifying disqualification, a penalty that is rarely given during a race. The German driver was penalised after his Haas car was pushed back onto the track by marshals, even though he had already come to a halt off the circuit.
While it may seem like a kind gesture and well-intentioned, it is against the rules. External assistance in this case is prohibited. Shortly after the incident with Hülkenberg, who initially continued the race, Franco Colapinto crashed. This caused a red flag, and at that moment, Hülkenberg was notified of the black flag.
In doing so, he followed in the footsteps of Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa. Seventeen years ago, during the Grand Prix of Canada, they received the black flag for not adhering to the rules in the pit lane.
