F1 REPORT: "Perez Summoned to FIA Stewards After Controversial.

“Perez Summoned to FIA Stewards After Controversial FP3 Incident with Sainz”

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez has been summoned to the FIA stewards following an on-track incident during the final practice session (FP3) at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Mexican driver was involved in a close call with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, which led to an investigation after Sainz had to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

This was not the first time Perez and Sainz found themselves in a contentious situation during the Baku race weekend. The pair had previously clashed during FP2 on Friday, when Perez had to take action to avoid Sainz as the Spaniard moved aside in a high-speed section, specifically at Turn 13. The stewards reviewed the FP2 incident, noting Perez’s risky move to the right in a dangerous part of the track. Although no major penalties were issued, Sainz received a warning for his involvement in the incident.

The spotlight returned to the duo during FP3. This time, the situation 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 contact with Perez’s Red Bull. The FIA launched an investigation into Perez for potentially impeding Sainz, raising questions about the management of on-track incidents during practice sessions and the communication between teams and drivers.

Following the session, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the team’s role in the incident, admitting that they might not have given Perez adequate information about Sainz’s approach. “I think we didn’t give perhaps Checo the information early enough about Carlos,” Horner said in an interview with Sky Sports. He also noted that while the FP3 incident was not as severe as the one in FP2, it bore similarities to the previous day’s situation. Horner expects the FIA to issue a similar verdict, likely resulting in a warning or minor penalty for Perez.

The tension between Perez and Sainz has added another layer of complexity to an already competitive weekend in Baku. The final practice session saw George Russell post the fastest time, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris in second and third, respectively. Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion and leader of the drivers’ standings, managed only the fifth-fastest time. Verstappen, who has struggled to reclaim his dominant form since winning the Spanish Grand Prix several races ago, appeared off the pace in the final practice run.

Sergio Perez, who has been inconsistent throughout the season, showed flashes of his former pace during the earlier practice sessions in Azerbaijan. The Mexican driver has been under increasing pressure to match the performance of his teammate Verstappen but has frequently found himself battling in the midfield rather than at the front of the pack. Despite these challenges, Perez seemed to find some speed in Baku, but the incidents with Sainz have overshadowed what could have been a stronger lead-up to the race.

Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, has been pushing hard to maximize the performance of his Ferrari, which has shown competitiveness this season but has also faced challenges. Ferrari has been chasing Red Bull throughout the year, with both Sainz and teammate Leclerc aiming to close the gap in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The repeated incidents between Sainz and Perez underscore the narrow margins in play at a demanding circuit like Baku, where precision is critical.

As the FIA reviews the FP3 incident, the outcome could have significant consequences for the race. If penalties are handed down to either Perez or Sainz, it could impact their starting positions and race strategy, making it even more crucial for both drivers to avoid further errors in the remaining sessions.

In the broader context of the Formula 1 season, these investigations highlight the intensely competitive nature of the sport, where even small misjudgments can lead to major consequences. The narrow streets of Baku, combined with the high stakes of a Formula 1 race weekend, create an environment where focus and communication are essential. For both Perez and Sainz, the upcoming qualifying session and race will be an opportunity to move past the practice session drama and focus on securing strong results.

This weekend’s incidents also serve as a reminder of the challenges teams face in managing the fine balance between pushing for performance and avoiding mistakes. With so much at stake in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, every decision on track can have long-term implications. As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on how Perez and Sainz recover from their practice session mishaps and whether they can capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.