Dennis Hauger (20) took third place in Formula 2 after a strong finish. The Norwegian was under investigation, but escaped punishment.
Saturday 9 March at 18:07
With one lap remaining, Dennis Hauger was sixth. He drove past Andrea Antonelli before the athletes entered the final lap. It seemed that there would be a Norwegian fifth place, but suddenly:
With a few hundred meters to go – Hauger moved up two places and onto the podium after a brilliant outside turn – which was the last turn of the race.
– It’s a Lightning McQueenProtagonist in the “Cars” films.-end. There are few things more fun than photo finishes in car races, says Viaplay commentator Atle Gulbrandsen.
– This is incredibly well done, says Viaplay expert Kunal Shah.
But just after the race, drama ensued.
Formula 2 investigated Hauger for the way he drove up to the podium.
– I wondered about Hauger’s finish as he crossed the inside of the pit line where the drivers drive in to change tyres, among other things, so that he has a shorter route to the finish line. It is under investigation, wrote Formula 1 journalist Chris Medland X.
– This was turned down earlier this weekend, says Atle Gulbrandsen.
Manager Harald Huysman confirms to VG after the race that Hauger will not be penalized for the manoeuvre.
See Hauger’s overtaking up to fifth place:
– It was difficult to advance, felt that I had a bit more speed than the 2-3 cars in front of me. Although early on it was important to be patient, there was a lot of jostling in the field. The sister round was cool, I never thought I would be so happy for 3rd place, says Hauger in a press release.
Jack Crawford, who just finished outside the podium, was 31 thousandths behind Hauger at the finish.
First place in the sprint race on Friday and third place in the main race on Saturday. Dennis Hauger has really delivered this Formula 2 weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Norwegian is third overall after four races with 31 points. Zane Maloney leads with 47 points.
Dennis Hauger started the main race from sixth position, and the Norwegian thus moved up three places.
Enzo Fittipaldi won the race ahead of Kush Maini in second place.
Would you like to read more about the drivers, teams, tracks and duels in the 2024 season? VG’s large Formula 1 magazine can be purchased in our online store (free shipping!)