FIA investigate Red Bull star following Baku...

FIA SUMMONED Red Bull star following Baku…read more

Red Bull star Sergio Perez has been summoned to the FIA stewards following an on-track incident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, specifically during the final practice session (FP3). The Mexican driver found himself embroiled in a battle with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, which led to an investigation after Sainz was forced to take evasive action to avoid a potential collision.

This wasn’t the first time Perez and Sainz had found themselves under scrutiny during the Baku race weekend. The duo was already involved in an incident during FP2 on Friday, where Perez had to take measures to avoid Sainz as the Spaniard moved out of his way in a high-speed section of the track, particularly at Turn 13. The stewards investigated the FP2 incident, considering Perez’s movement to the right in a dangerous part of the circuit. Although no severe action was taken, Sainz received a warning for his role in the close call.

However, the FIA’s focus returned to the pair again in FP3. This time, the issue occurred at Turn 15, where Sainz was on a fast lap and encountered Perez moving slowly on the racing line. Sainz was forced to cut the corner to avoid making contact with the Red Bull driver. The situation has prompted the FIA to investigate Perez for allegedly impeding Sainz, raising concerns about how such incidents are managed and communicated during practice sessions.

Following the session, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner spoke to Sky Sports, acknowledging that the team might not have provided Perez with the information he needed about Sainz’s approach. Horner stated, “I think we didn’t give perhaps Checo the information early enough about Carlos.” He added that while the incident wasn’t as severe as the one in FP2, it was a near repeat of the previous day’s scenario. Given the similarities between the two incidents, Horner expects the FIA to deliver a similar verdict, which could likely result in another warning or minor penalty.

The incidents involving Perez and Sainz have added a layer of tension to what has already been a competitive weekend in Baku. The final practice session saw George Russell set the fastest time, edging out Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, who finished second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion and current leader of the drivers’ standings, could only manage the fifth-fastest time. Verstappen, who has been seeking to regain his dominant form after struggling to secure a race victory since the Spanish Grand Prix seven races ago, appeared somewhat off the pace in the final practice run.

Sergio Perez, who has faced inconsistency throughout the season, showed glimpses of his former self during the initial practice sessions in Azerbaijan. The Mexican driver has been under pressure to match the pace of his teammate Verstappen, but has often found himself battling in the midfield rather than at the sharp end of the grid. Despite his struggles, Perez seemed to rediscover some of his lost pace in Baku, but the incidents with Sainz have clouded what could have been a more promising build-up to the race.

Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, has been pushing hard to extract the most from his Ferrari, which has been competitive but not without its challenges this season. Ferrari has been chasing Red Bull throughout the campaign, with Sainz and his teammate Charles Leclerc aiming to close the gap in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The fact that both Sainz and Perez have now been involved in multiple incidents during the weekend highlights the fine margins at play in a circuit as demanding as Baku.

As the FIA prepares to review the FP3 incident, the outcome could have significant implications for the race, especially if penalties are handed down to either driver. With qualifying and the race still to come, both Perez and Sainz will be keen to put the practice session drama behind them and focus on delivering strong performances in the crucial stages of the weekend.

In a broader context, the back-to-back investigations reflect the competitive nature of Formula 1, where even minor lapses in communication or decision-making can lead to significant consequences. As teams and drivers navigate the high-pressure environment of a street circuit like Baku, maintaining focus and minimizing mistakes is critical to securing valuable points in the championship race. For Perez and Sainz, the upcoming sessions will be an opportunity to make amends and deliver on their potential without further incidents.