Sergio Perez blasts the stewards in Abu Dhabi GP, brands them ‘very poor’ after Lando Norris collision penalty

Sergio Perez feels he's been dealt a heavy hand at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Sergio Perez blasts the stewards in Abu Dhabi GP, brands them ‘very poor’ after Lando Norris collision penalty

Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)

The 2023 Formula 1 season has finally come to a close with the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max Verstappen was a happy man at the end of the event, but his teammate, Sergio Perez has cut out as an extremely frustrated figure. Perez has mercilessly bashed the stewards for imposing a 5-second penalty on him for making contact with Lando Norris.

During the dying stage of the 58-lap Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Sergio Perez was trying to get the better of Lando Norris and in the process of doing so, made contact with him going into turn six. The contact was not huge but despite this, Perez was given a 5-second time penalty and got two endorsement points on his licence.

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Had the Mexican driver not gotten a penalty, he would have finished in second place. Considering this, he was extremely frustrated at the end of the event and while talking about the 5-second time penalty, he told Sky Sports;

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 I think the stewards were very poor in my opinion.

Looking at the strong reaction of Perez, it is quite clear that he is not at all pleased with the 5-second time penalty that was imposed on him. Perez ardently feels that his actions during his tussle with Lando Norris did not deserve a time penalty and thus, he should have been given some leeway.

Sergio Perez has finished the 2023 F1 season in second place

While Sergio Perez missed out on a podium finish at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he can take some satisfaction in the fact that he has managed to finish the campaign in second place in the Driver’s Championship. Despite Lewis Hamilton‘s second-leg push, Perez was able to do enough to finish behind Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez (Credits: Planet F1
Sergio Perez (Credits: Planet F1)

The Red Bull Formula 1 team wanted Perez to finish in second place at the least, and this is exactly what he has managed to do. Keeping this in view, the 33-year-old would go into the upcoming winter break in a positive frame of mind and come back roaring for next year’s campaign of the pinnacle of motor racing.

Sergio Perez wants to fight for the F1 World Championship in 2024 and is willing to give his all next year. Moreover, he would be entering his last year with Red Bull as well. It would be in Perez’s best interest to put his best foot forward if he wants to continue with Red Bull beyond 2024.

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