Understanding the Safety Car Situation Threatening Sergio Perez’s Win at Singapore GP

The returning Singapore GP served up quite some drama throughout the race. We’re not sure if the damp track played a part in the six retirements during the race. But the retirements could play a part in deciding the race winner, who is currently Sergio Perez.

The Red Bull man who started the race in P2 after an incredible start overtook Charles Leclerc soon after light out. Following the incredible start, the Mexican led throughout the race, which was barred by multiple safety car situations, virtual or otherwise. During the only physical safety car period following Yuki Tsunoda’s tackle on the barriers, Perez made a mistake.

Easily missable, Perez made an illegal move during the physical safety car period, which needs some explaining.

Sam Collins, F1’s trusted tech analyst, helped decipher the situation.

“The rule state you musn’t leave a ten car lengths between the (leading) car and the safety car. — However, earlier in the race a couple of occasion did happen when this may not have been the case,” he explained.

“This is the first restart,” pointing to the screen in front of him. “You can see Sergio Perez, just in front of the Ferrari. Look down the road, there is absolutely no sign of the safety car whatsoever, it’s completely absent. That’s more than ten car lengths. That’s not really allowed.”

Read More: After Disappointing Qualifying Drama, Can Max Verstappen Bag the Championship in Singapore Anymore?

Collins showcased the same scenario in another restart, which is again a potential breach of the regulations. So during the safety car periods, the Red Bull man breached the ten car lengths rule twice. This repeat infringement could earn him penalties.

Sergio Perez might get away with the ten-car length rule infringement

The Mexican made two grave errors during the safety car period by leaving a massive gap between himself and the safety car. However, there’s some leeway given by FIA around this, as Sam Collins revealed.

The F1 analyst revealed, “Sebastian Vettel dropped back more than ten car lengths from the car in front during the Canadian Grand Prix. But the FIA didn’t penalize him as he closed up the gap before they reached the first safety car line.”

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

Collins also revealed that Perez will get the final hearing from race control on the potential breaches and might end up getting two five-second penalties or nothing at all. Even though the race is over, the winner is yet to be decided.