Nico Hulkenberg's Audi suffers dramatic fire in Miami GP build-up

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.”