BREAKING:Red Bull F1 Max hit by late FIA demotion At…Read more
BREAKING:Red Bull F1 Max hit by late FIA demotion At…Read more
Sergio Perez Hit with Grid Penalty Ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, following an incident during the Canadian Grand Prix where he drove a significantly damaged car back to the pits. The FIA deemed this action a breach of safety regulations, as Perez’s car shed debris on the track, posing risks to other drivers.
The incident occurred on Lap 53 in Montreal when Perez crashed into the barriers at Turn 6, severely damaging his RB20’s rear wing. Despite the damage, he continued to the pits, losing several carbon fibre parts along the way. Red Bull admitted they instructed Perez to return to the pits to avoid triggering a Safety Car, which could have jeopardized teammate Max Verstappen’s lead.
In addition to Perez’s grid drop, Red Bull has been fined €25,000 for the incident. The FIA stated that a sporting penalty was necessary due to the safety implications of the situation.
Perez expressed surprise at the penalty, explaining that he had limited visibility due to dust on his mirrors and was unaware of the extent of the damage. He emphasized his trust in the team’s instructions during the race.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko criticized the penalty as excessive, arguing that Perez’s actions were in line with race conditions and that similar incidents in the past had not resulted in such sanctions.
This penalty adds to Perez’s recent challenges, including a crash at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite these setbacks, Red Bull has extended Perez’s contract through 2026, reaffirming their confidence in his abilities.
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Perez will face the challenge of climbing the grid after his penalty, while Red Bull aims to maintain their competitive edge in the championship standings.
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