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Helmut Marko explains massive impact of Perez's Baku crash on the team
Sergio Perez's crash with Carlos Sainz at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix came at an already tense time for Red Bull. Not only did Perez damage his car and lose out on a long-awaited podium, the crash also meant that Lando Norris received an extra point on Max Verstappen. Speaking to Formu1a.uno, Helmut Marko speaks of an "avalanche" caused by the crash.
It all began on the penultimate lap of the race when Perez lost a battle with Charles Leclerc, and the Ferrari driver's teammate Carlos Sainz also passed the Mexican. travelling down the straight that followed, the Ferrari and Red Bull drivers hit each other which then led to a race-ending crash for both involved. Perez's car was badly damaged and as Red Bull do not have many spare parts from the new upgrades, this may pose a problem in the coming races.
Further problems for Verstappen's championship due to Perez's crash
But Red Bull's problems do not end there. Just before the virtual safety car came out triggered by the crash, Verstappen began an attempt for the fastest lap. He was ultimately unable to complete this fastest lap because of the virtual safety car. As a result, the Dutch driver did not gain the extra point which was claimed by his rival Lando Norris.
Helmut Marko explained the outcome from Red Bull's perspective. "It was like an avalanche... Without the crash damage it wouldn’t have been so bad. But it’s also for all the employees – they all are on a bonus on the constructors’, not on the driver’s championship."
Marko continued, "There’s no need to panic. But Checo’s car is heavily damaged, so we will have problems with the parts we have, and the right setup.
“I think it’s now more to make a car for Checo so he can race. So the real potential we will see in Austin."
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut.
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