FIA Scrambles to Save Face as German Media Giant’s Exposé Offers Legitimacy to Red Bull Bias Narrative

Track limits and the never-ending woes of F1 drivers and teams. We thought that post-1200 track limit breaches in Austria, FIA would work to ensure a smooth sail for drivers. But the Qatar Grand Prix knocked everyone to the ground again. The ‘silly’ policing of the track limits cost the McLaren boys a better qualifying position. Moreover, Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll became the two drivers to accumulate heavy penalties at Lusial International Circuit. Sergio Perez has called the limits a ‘joke’. However, as fans are uncovering the dash-cam footage, the Red Bull driver might want to stay mum. 

But, surely, the governing body would have heard the angry voices of the racers looking for answers going into the next racing weekend at Austin? Well, in Austin, 76 laps were deleted. The plague even affected the defending champion Max Verstappen with his best lap deleted, throwing him down the ranks in P6 during qualifying. However, his teammate narrowly escaped another harrowing weekend due to the incompetency of the FIA.

A scandal in the making as FIA fails to penalize Sergio Perez

FIA has previously been accused of siding with the eight-time constructors. However, as a new constructor emerges to light as a six-time champion, many in the community have charged the governing body for switching biases. From inspecting a Red Bull livery twice vs. five for the Brackley Outfit to inconsistency in levying track penalties to Sergio Perez, FIA is in hot waters.

A staggering revelation was made by an X user. He pointed out that the RB19 of Perez breached the track limits at turn 6 consistently. However, FIA, inconsistent in monitoring, failed to dish out any penalty to the RB driver. The governing body, therefore, in a bid to save themselves from more embarrassment, released a statement. It read, “In line with the stewards’ decisions (Document 59) in relation to an alleged rule breach on the inside of the corner, which stated that ‘the evidence available is insufficient to accurately and consistently infer infringements’, the FIA will update the monitoring infrastructure to ensure better coverage so that possible infringements can be reliably detected during the race in the future.”

Luckily for Sergio Perez, the positioning of the cameras saved him from any scrutiny. However, other drivers weren’t as lucky as the Red Bull driver. Alex Albon was penalized for exceeding the track limits ‘too often.’ But Albon’s turn 6 infringement was dismissed akin to Perez’s due to misplaced cameras.

READ MORE: As Hatred for Max Verstappen Loudens, Sergio Perez Makes Honest Plea to Mexican Fans

Amid inconsistencies and quadrupling fines, FIA has managed to slide its way onto the bad books of F1 drivers. Many speedsters have come forward expressing that the track limits are extremely harsh. Perez is one of the drivers publicly critical of the governing body. However, as his home race approaches, the Mexican driver is looking to secure his place in the sport

Can Perez pull off a comeback?

The Sakhir Grand Prix winner is all set for his home race. Luring Verstappen out to a soccer match with his club ahead of the Grand Prix, the Mexican driver has already established his dominance, albeit in a soccer match. After a difficult year overseas, Perez needed the warmth of his home soil. And as the week progresses, the expectations of his home crowd are increasing multi-fold. 

Sitting at zero wins since April, the Austin Grand Prix was a push to the Mexican driver’s confidence. Surging with the newfound hope, ‘Checo’ aims to deliver it back to his people at the Mexican Grand Prix. However, Perez has a shabby track record here. Nigel Manson once said that the home crowd gives half a second to the driver, but the Mexican driver might need more than half a second. 

Moreover, speculation mills churn out faster than the 350kmph of F1 cars. The spotlight is on Perez’s retirement announcement at his home race. However, the Mexican driver has not confirmed the flying speculations. All he says is that he will be at Red Bull through 2024. 

Sergio Perez has a lot at stake at his home Grand Prix- his Red Bull seat, P2 in the championship, and the love of his Mexican fans. Do you think ‘Checo’ can rise to the top ranks again?

WATCH THIS STORY: How a Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement at Monaco