BREAKING NEWS: Carlos Drifted” – Christian Horner Points Fingers

Horner Blames Sainz for Sergio Perez’s Crash in Azerbaijan Grand Prix: A Costly Incident for Both Drivers

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz collided in the closing stages, forcing both drivers out of the race. The incident led to a Virtual Safety Car finish and left both teams with regrets over what could have been a better result.

Sergio Perez, who has struggled throughout much of the 2024 season, was showing significant promise in Baku. He managed to qualify near the front of the grid, even outqualifying his championship-leading teammate Max Verstappen for the first time this year. It looked like Baku might be a turning point for the Mexican driver, especially as he found himself in contention for a podium position during the race.

As the race unfolded, Perez was gaining on Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was holding second place. On lap 49, Perez attempted to overtake Leclerc but found himself in a vulnerable position, which gave Carlos Sainz an opportunity to make his move. Sainz, driving for Ferrari, was also eyeing a spot on the podium and saw his chance to pass Perez.

However, as they approached turn two, disaster struck. Both drivers were vying to catch Leclerc’s slipstream, racing in close quarters. Unfortunately, the battle for position ended in a crash. Sainz’s rear left tire clipped Perez’s front right tire, sending both cars into the wall and out of the race. The resulting chaos not only ruined their individual chances but also brought out the Virtual Safety Car, under which the race concluded.

After the race, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was quick to express his disappointment, firmly placing the blame on Sainz. “He [Perez] deserved more than that,” Horner said in a post-race interview. “Carlos drifted across the track and caused the collision. Sergio was on track for a podium, and this crash has cost us valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship.”

Perez, visibly frustrated, echoed Horner’s sentiments, accusing Sainz of being overly aggressive in his approach. “He was too eager. It was an unnecessary risk at that point in the race,” Perez remarked, adding that the collision not only cost him but also Sainz a strong finish. For Perez, the crash was particularly bitter as it robbed him of what could have been one of his best results in an otherwise challenging season.

Sainz, however, defended his actions, insisting that he had done nothing wrong. “I was just racing hard. These things happen,” Sainz stated, dismissing the idea that he was too aggressive. He added that in the heat of the moment, both drivers were simply pushing for the best result possible, and the collision was unfortunate but unavoidable.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur took a more measured approach in his assessment of the incident, refusing to assign blame to either driver. “It was a racing incident,” Vasseur commented. “They were very close, trying to slipstream off Leclerc. It’s unfortunate it ended that way, but Carlos is okay, and that’s what matters most.”

Vasseur’s neutral stance contrasted sharply with Horner’s pointed remarks, leaving the incident open to interpretation. Fans and analysts alike debated who was truly at fault, with some sympathizing with Perez’s frustration, while others sided with Sainz’s explanation of a racing incident.

The crash had significant implications for both teams. Red Bull, who have been locked in a fierce battle for the Constructors’ Championship, lost out on crucial points, which could prove costly later in the season. Ferrari, meanwhile, missed the opportunity for a potential double-podium finish, as Leclerc continued to hold his position but Sainz was unable to capitalize on the race’s closing stages.

As emotions run high following the Baku race, both drivers will need to reflect on the missed opportunity. For Perez, it was a particularly devastating blow after a promising weekend, while Sainz will likely rue the incident that cost him a shot at valuable points.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix served as yet another reminder of the fine margins that define success and failure in Formula 1. In a sport where split-second decisions can determine the outcome, both Perez and Sainz were left to ponder what might have been if their collision hadn’t brought their races to a premature end.