General
Perez escapes losing points, but has to be careful of grid penalty
- GPblog.com
Sergio Perez defended rather fiercely against Pierre Gasly in the Portuguese Grand Prix, and he has once again been warned. For the Racing Point driver that means it is his second official warning in as many days. During qualifying, the Mexican also hindered his rival Gasly.
The 30-year old driver tried to hold on to his fifth-place at Portimao in the final stages. In the end it didn't work out for him and he finished seventh, after Carlos Sainz also passed him. Perez was maybe fortunate not to receive a penalty, especially with the Renault pair lurking.
Stewards' response
In a statement, the stewards stated: "The stewards noted that Perez did not move as a reaction, but moved first or at the same time. He may make a single defensive movement, but that kind of movement must not endanger other riders. Both riders agreed that it was at the limit. However, the stewards believe that it was too close to the limit and that Perez had not respected the difference in speed. That is why the stewards chose reprimand as a penalty."
If he receives a third reprimand this season, Perez will face a grid penalty. Even if it is a non-driver error (such as an unsafe release), a penalty of ten places on the starting grid will be issued