FIA Announces New Penalty Verdict for...read more

FIA Announces New Penalty Verdict for…read more

The FIA has issued a new penalty verdict for Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Pérez following a controversial clash during the Monaco Grand Prix. After extensive review, race stewards concluded that Pérez was “wholly at fault” for the first-lap collision involving Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg and Williams’ Logan Sargeant.

The incident, which caused significant damage to all three cars and led to early retirements for Hülkenberg and Sargeant, initially went under investigation during the race but no immediate penalty was handed down. However, following additional video analysis and team telemetry, the FIA released a statement late Monday confirming a grid penalty for Pérez.

“Sergio Pérez will receive a three-place grid drop for the next race in Canada,” the statement read. “The driver of car #11 was found to have caused an avoidable collision in Turn 1, failing to leave adequate space for the cars alongside.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner voiced disappointment over the decision, saying, “It was a racing incident in difficult conditions. We’ll review the FIA’s report and consider our options.” Meanwhile, Haas and Williams have both welcomed the ruling, emphasizing the importance of accountability for on-track actions.

This penalty comes at a crucial point in the season, as Pérez battles to retain his seat amid increasing pressure from within the team and strong performances from rivals. The three-place drop could significantly impact his starting position in Montreal, where overtaking is challenging.

With championship stakes rising and the midfield tighter than ever, the FIA’s ruling sets a strong precedent for how aggressive race starts will be judged going forward. The sport’s governing body continues its push for consistent application of the rules, especially in high-stakes, high-visibility races.