Red Bull Racing Driver Penalized for Continuing with Damaged Car in Canadian Grand Prix
Sergio Perez, a member of the Red Bull Racing team, received a three-place grid penalty for the next race as a result of his decision to stay on track with a damaged car during the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. During the race, Perez spun backwards and hit the barrier at Turn 6, causing terminal damage to the rear wing of his car. Despite the potential danger caused by the carbon fiber coming loose, Perez continued to circulate at a reduced pace until reaching the pits. Red Bull admitted to the stewards that they had instructed Perez to continue to minimize the likelihood of a Safety Car intervention and to protect Max Verstappen’s lead. As a consequence, the stewards fined Red Bull and penalized Perez for the Spanish Grand Prix due to safety concerns arising from the incident.
The stewards’ decision stated: “After contacting the barriers at turn six, the driver continued on the track for the remainder of the lap with a significantly damaged car and, as a result, lost several carbon fiber parts on the way back to the pits. The team confirmed in the hearing that the driver had been advised to bring the car back to the pits as they were trying to avoid a Safety Car situation. The stewards determine that, in addition to a financial penalty for the team, a sporting penalty is necessary due to the safety implications of the incident. The penalty is imposed in accordance with precedents.”
In a separate decision, the stewards opted not to take action against George Russell and Oscar Piastri for their contact at the final chicane, as neither of the drivers was considered primarily responsible for the incident.
