The F1 grid for the Miami sprint race has been reduced to 21 cars after Nico Hulkenberg suffered a dramatic failure in the build-up to the race.
En route to the grid, Hulkenberg's car started emitting smoke before the situation turned more drastic when flames started billowing from the rear.
Hulkenberg was quickly forced to park up and jump out of the car, ending his race before it even got underway.
The German was due to start from 12th on the grid, but now is in danger of missing qualifying altogether if the repairs are deemed to extensive.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Audi racing director Allan McNish revealed the team first spotted an anomaly before the car had even left the garage.
“We had something in the garage which we thought was sorted out, but clearly there was a problem going to the grid,” he said.
“We need to get the car back to have a look at it.”
When asked if there are fears Hulkenberg could miss qualifying, McNish replied: “We need to get it back before we can really see.”
Get the latest F1 news from RacingNews365 directly in your Google feed! Click on the link below and you’ll see your favourite F1 website appearing even more often. That way, you’ll never miss any news, analyses, interviews, or exclusives.
Follow RacingNews365 on GoogleMost read
In this article
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
Join the conversation!