F1 REPORT: Red Bull's Sergio Pérez Summoned by FIA Stewards......

Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez Summoned by FIA Stewards Following Controversial FP3 Incident with Sainz

Sergio Pérez, Red Bull Racing’s second driver, found himself in hot water ahead of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix after being summoned by FIA stewards following a controversial incident in the third practice session (FP3). The incident, which involved Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, raised concerns over Pérez’s driving conduct, leading to an official review by the stewards.

The clash occurred during the final practice session as both Pérez and Sainz were preparing for qualifying at the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit. As Sainz approached a hot lap, Pérez appeared to block the Spaniard’s progress at a critical part of the circuit, forcing Sainz to back off and abort his fast lap.

Sainz immediately voiced his frustration over the team radio, accusing Pérez of impeding his run. “What is he doing? He’s just blocking me!” Sainz exclaimed, clearly upset by the interference. The incident occurred at Turn 8, a narrow section of the street circuit where visibility and room to maneuver are already limited, adding to the danger of such a situation.

The stewards immediately flagged the incident, deeming it a potential breach of the FIA’s regulations regarding impeding another driver. Pérez was promptly summoned for an explanation after the session, sparking speculation about whether he could face a penalty ahead of qualifying.

In the moments following FP3, Pérez defended his actions, suggesting that the incident was simply a case of miscommunication between him and his Red Bull team. “I wasn’t aware Carlos was on a flying lap at that moment. We were working on our own program, and unfortunately, I didn’t get the right information in time,” Pérez explained to the media.

Despite his defense, the Red Bull driver acknowledged that the situation was far from ideal and said he was prepared to discuss the matter with the stewards. “Obviously, we need to look into it and understand what happened from both sides. It’s a tough circuit, and things happen quickly here, but I’ll speak to the stewards and see what they decide.”

For Carlos Sainz, the incident was particularly frustrating given the tight competition at the top of the grid. Ferrari had been showing promising pace throughout the weekend, and Sainz was eager to build on that momentum during the final practice session. Losing a hot lap in FP3 could be a setback, especially on a circuit like Singapore, where grid position is crucial due to the difficulty of overtaking during the race.

While Sainz remained focused on qualifying, he hinted at his dissatisfaction with Pérez’s actions. “It’s always frustrating when you lose a lap like that, especially here where track position is so important. But the stewards will handle it, and we’ll see what happens.”

If Pérez is found guilty of impeding Sainz, he could face penalties ranging from a reprimand to a grid drop for the race. The FIA’s rules are clear regarding the obstruction of another driver during practice sessions, and depending on the severity of the incident, the punishment could impact Pérez’s weekend.

With Red Bull already under pressure to maintain their dominance this season, any penalty could further complicate Pérez’s efforts to regain form. The Mexican driver has faced challenges throughout the 2024 season, particularly in qualifying sessions where he has struggled to match his teammate Max Verstappen’s consistency. A grid drop in Singapore, one of the toughest circuits for overtaking, could put him at a significant disadvantage.

The incident comes at a time when Red Bull is working hard to secure both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Max Verstappen has been leading the charge for the team, but Pérez’s inconsistency has left Red Bull with a narrower margin than they would have liked. Singapore, with its tight corners and unforgiving barriers, is a critical race for maintaining momentum.

Team Principal Christian Horner, while supportive of his driver, acknowledged the importance of avoiding incidents that could jeopardize the team’s position. “It’s unfortunate that this happened, but we’ll wait for the stewards’ decision. We’re focused on having a strong weekend here in Singapore, and hopefully, this won’t affect that.”

As the stewards review the incident, all eyes are on the potential implications for both Pérez and Red Bull. With qualifying looming and the race itself promising high drama on a notoriously tricky circuit, any penalty could alter the dynamics at the front of the grid.

For Pérez, this weekend represents an opportunity to rebound from a series of underwhelming performances, but the FP3 controversy could throw a wrench into those plans. Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Sergio Pérez’s summons by the FIA stewards following the FP3 incident with Carlos Sainz has added an unexpected twist to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. With the potential for penalties hanging in the balance, the Red Bull driver will be hoping that his explanation satisfies the stewards, allowing him to focus on the crucial task of securing a strong result in the race.