Nico Hulkenberg admitted his surprise to have been deemed responsible for the lap thirteen crash with Felipe Massa that ended the German’s Singapore Grand Prix in the turn three barriers.
Williams Martini Racing’s Massa was just exiting the pits as Hulkenberg brought his Sahara Force India into turn three, with the drivers clashing, breaking Hulkenberg’s suspension and wings, but the German will receive a three-place grid penalty in Japan next week for the incident.
“That’s a really frustrating way to end my race,” said Hulkenberg. “I was feeling confident with the car; I had made my first stop and I was in good shape.
“The accident with Felipe [Massa] was very unlucky and I don’t understand why I’ve been given a penalty before there has even been the chance to discuss the incident in the stewards’ room.
“I saw Felipe coming out of the pit exit as I went through turn one, but I was ahead in turn three, I was on the racing line and I took the corner as usual. Then I felt the contact with my left rear and my race was over.
“In my view it was my corner and I’m surprised Felipe backed out of it much too late, locking up just before he hit me.”
