For Sergio Pérez, the Formula 1 race in Austria was practically over after four corners. The Red Bull driver wanted to pass George Russell on the first lap and attacked the Mercedes on the outside lane.
There was contact and Pérez spun into the gravel trap. Although he was able to continue with a damaged car, he later gave up the race.
The Mexican’s action caused incomprehension among his Red Bull team, because: “Before the start we said, in this curve, not on the outside, that’s not possible,” motorsport consultant Helmut Marko annoys “Sky”. Because Red Bull has had bad experiences in this curve in recent years.
In 2020, Alexander Albon clashed with Lewis Hamilton shortly before the end and missed a possible first podium, in 2021 it was Pérez who flew off the track in a duel with Lando Norris – and now the Mexican made the hat-trick for the Bulls. “Unfortunately that was unnecessary,” scolds Marko.
“We saw in the support races that it is very risky to try it out there,” confirms team boss Christian Horner indirectly that there were discussions about it before the race. However, he protects his pilot somewhat: “He had good momentum coming out of turn 3. And racers just try it,” he says.
“Whenever you try it on the outside of Turn 4, you’re very dependent on your opponent on the inside to give you enough space,” said Horner. There were a few maneuvers at this point in the race where it worked. On the other hand, Sebastian Vettel also had the worse end in a duel with Pierre Gasly.
Pérez defended his attempt: “I was clearly ahead. It was up to George to have his car under control, which he clearly couldn’t – and that’s how the collision happened,” he describes. “There was nothing I could have done. I gave him enough space and was already close to the gravel trap to make sure he had enough space for us both to make the turn.”
The stewards blamed Russell and gave the Mercedes driver a five-second penalty and two penalty points. “For the standards at George’s level, I’m surprised by this maneuver,” says Pérez.
“It’s very disappointing for me and a very disappointing result for our team because there were a lot of opportunities today,” he said. “These zeros are very painful, especially when you’re fighting for the championship.”
Due to his retirement and Charles Leclerc’s victory, Pérez lost second place to the Ferrari drivers. He is 19 points behind Monegasque, 57 points behind teammate Max Verstappen.