This weekend was Déjà vu for Sergio Perez and Red Bull at the Austrian Grand Prix. The Mexican driver collided with Mercedes driver George Russell, who sent him into the gravels on Lap 1. The contact also brought in some damage for Checo, which meant he had to retire from the race while Russell managed to finish P4.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was a real shame for the Red Bull driver as he made a stellar recovery from his poor qualifying in the Sprint. There were high hopes from him, as he could have played a part in the Red Bull strategy. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko criticized the result and contact.
The Austrian revealed the Mexican should not have collided at Turn 4. “We told him before the start not to go outside in that corner, that it was not going to be possible. It was an unnecessary risk. We have already seen it in the past, and it does not work,” said the Red Bull advisor. [Translated by Google]
READ MORE: Who owns the Red Bull F1 team?
The same thing had happened with Checo last year when he was battling against Lando Norris. On that day as well, his race was ruined, as it would have been an easy podium.
Red Bull advisor criticizes Sergio Perez for his move in Austria
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Red Bull also referenced the 2020 Austrian GP incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Alex Albon. That year, Albon made the same move as Checo and had the same result.
“After the touch, there was too much damage on the ground and they would have lapped Checo twice, so there was no point in continuing to run. We prioritized saving mileage. But it does seem that the Mercedes do not like that we go on the outside in the 4. It was very similar to the Lewis and Albon accident,” said Marko.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THE STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track
It is certainly interesting to know that the team had warned Perez to not try the move. But he went on to do the opposite anyway, which proved to be a costly error. But hopefully, the Mexican might have learned his lesson and will make some changes when he attempts the maneuver next time in the upcoming races.