Sauber chief explains Nico Hulkenberg's DNS disaster at Italian GP

Nico Hulkenberg's DNS was due to a hydraulic issue, forcing the German to retire from the race before it even began

Nico Hulkenberg's 2025 Italian Grand Prix ended before it began as the German driver was forced to retire his Sauber at the end of the formation lap due to a hydraulic issue on his Ferrari power unit.

The 38-year-old was set to start in 12th position at Monza, but a devastating technical issue surfaced ahead of the race that simply couldn't be remedied by the team.

Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley discussed the issue with Sky Sports F1 during the race broadcast.

"It's always sad to have to retire a car at any point in the race," he told Martin Brundle and David Croft. "So, we had a hydraulic issue. We don't quite understand it yet, but with the new power unit, it was probably the best thing to do.

"[It started during] the final fire-up on the grid, Martin," he continued. "So you probably saw a bit of activity around the car around the seven-minute mark.

"We did what we could on the grid, but these cars are incredibly complicated. Most of these systems are buried deep inside them, so unfortunately Nico's race had to be ended."

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images

This will be a frustrating moment for Hulkenberg, who has had mixed results so far this season. Despite his maiden podium at the British Grand Prix, he's struggled to be consistent. He hoped he would qualify in a better position for today's race at the Temple of Speed.

"You know, to be there where the other car, the sister car is still in..." he said following qualifying this weekend. "First run in Q2 I messed up that lap and, you know, basically didn't have anything on the board so that obviously leaves you a little bit vulnerable going into the final lap and didn't want to end up in 15th.

"So I had to take margins here and there which... those hundreds at the end are costly and they make a difference."