Sun Sep 15 14:50:00 UTC 2024: ## MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Scores Point in Azerbaijan Grand Prix
The MoneyGram Haas F1 Team finished the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with Oliver Bearman in 10th and Nico Hulkenberg in 11th place. The race, Round 17 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, was held at the Baku City Circuit on Sunday.
Bearman started the race from 10th position, while Hulkenberg was 12th. Both drivers used Pirelli P Zero Yellow medium tires for the opening phase of the race. While Bearman held his position, Hulkenberg initially dropped a few spots before regaining them to run in 12th. Bearman lost a spot to Lando Norris before the two drivers swapped positions, with Hulkenberg in 11th and Bearman in 12th.
Both drivers pitted on lap 14 and 15 respectively, switching to the harder compound White tire. Hulkenberg emerged from the pit stop phase in 12th, followed by Bearman in 13th. Both drivers then passed Pierre Gasly’s Alpine, with Hulkenberg subsequently overtaking Franco Colapinto’s Williams to move into the top 10. However, Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton, who were running on a different strategy, moved ahead of Hulkenberg.
A late collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz eliminated both drivers from the race. This allowed Bearman to overtake Hulkenberg and secure 10th place, earning him a point on his MoneyGram Haas F1 Team debut.
Despite a strong performance, Hulkenberg faced some issues in the final laps. He hit a large piece of debris after a collision ahead, causing him to lose positions and ultimately the result.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his satisfaction with Bearman’s performance, noting his improvement after an initial struggle to manage tire wear. He also praised Hulkenberg’s strong race pace, despite a setback in the closing stages. The team remains optimistic about their chances of scoring points for the rest of the season.
This result brings the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team within five points of RB in the battle for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
First Piper 