In the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix of Formula 1, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sergio Perez, from Mexico, driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20, made a pit stop. Unfortunately, Perez took responsibility for an incident on pit lane exit, resulting in a penalty and bringing him closer to a one-race suspension in Formula 1.
Perez had a good start, initially overtaking Charles Leclerc at Turn 1, but was later passed by the Ferrari driver at Turn 4. However, Perez’s performance improved when he overtook Leclerc on lap 4 with the help of DRS, finishing behind his teammate Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on the race, Perez commented on the chaotic nature of his experience compared to Verstappen’s. He acknowledged that he couldn’t hold his position ahead of Leclerc, but praised his start and subsequent progress in the race.
Perez was three seconds behind Verstappen and felt confident about the condition of his medium tires. However, an early Safety Car compromised his strategy, as everyone opted to make a pit stop. With little tire degradation at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Red Bull decided to take advantage of the situation and pit both drivers, putting on hard tires.
Unfortunately, Perez’s pit stop did not go as planned. He exited his pit box and entered the fast lane in front of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, which the stewards deemed an unsafe action. After reviewing the footage, the stewards concluded that Perez had been released from the pit stop in an unsafe manner and that Alonso had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. The situation was further exacerbated by Perez leaving the pit lane even with a red light indicating he should not do so.
Perez, who finished 10 seconds ahead of Leclerc and maintained his second position, acknowledged that it was his own mistake and accepted the stewards’ evaluation.
“When I was coming out, it was actually my mistake because the team instructed me to wait,” explained Perez.
“But looking back, I looked to the right and didn’t see anyone there. However, in hindsight, I believe the penalty was justified and compromised our race a lot.”
The Red Bull driver now accumulates a total of eight penalty points, leaving him four points away from reaching the 12-point limit that results in an automatic one-race suspension.
Perez also faces the challenge that the first of his current points will not be removed until September, putting him in a precarious situation.
When asked about his visibility of the car at the pit lane exit, Perez replied: “You can have some idea of what’s going on around you, for sure.
“And when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see anyone there. I realized I didn’t have the proper release. But I didn’t see anyone.
“So, sometimes the team can be slower than you in the car. But this time it was the opposite. Yes, my mistake in that instance, but fortunately it didn’t change the race result.”
