F1 News

Update: Ocon and Perez get away without penalty, system problem in England

16 April 2021 at 12:03
Last update 16 April 2021 at 12:03
  • GPblog.com

The first free practice of the Imola Grand Prix was chaotic. Problems with the cameras, timing and data caused much confusion in Italy. This also seems to be the cause of the crash between Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez.

Communication failure confirmed by Capito

Shortly after the session, Sky Sports F1 speaks to Williams CEO Jost Capito who confirms that there were problems with the data on the pit wall. Many teams also had problems with their cars' board radios, reports the usually well-informed Albert Fabrega.

During the session, Perez suddenly found himself on the track backwards with damage to his left rear wheel. The Mexican appears to have made contact with Esteban Ocon, who parked his Alpine a few dozen metres away.

Alpine probably had bad communication with Ocon

Ocon was on his lap out of the pits at the time of the crash and was driving significantly slower than Perez. It seems that due to the communication breakdown Alpine could not tell Ocon that the faster Perez wanted to pass him. The two drivers must report to the stewards at 11:30 UK time.

Update 12:03 | System failure in England and no further consequences for Ocon and Perez

The Twitter channel Motorsport Broadcasting reports that there was a major problem with the systems at Biggin Hill. A special mode was switched on at the track so that the race could still be driven.

Ocon and Perez both got away from the stewards without penalty, reporting that it was a miscommunication. This was not helped by the fact that communication from the pit wall to the drivers was limited on Friday morning.