Sergio Perez gets one step closer to getting a race ban after Saudi Arabian GP

Sergio Perez was given one penalty point for the incident during the Saudi Arabian GP, bringing him close to a race-ban.

Sergio Perez gets one step closer to getting a race ban after Saudi Arabian GP

Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

Multiple drivers received penalties during the Saudi Arabian GP. Hence, Sergio Perez was penalized in the race due to an unsafe release in the pits. The driver nearly collided with Fernando Alonso in the pit lane during a safety car following Lance Stroll‘s crash during the race.

Sergio Perez pitted early on to change the tires following an early safety car. Multiple drivers also pit with the same thought in their minds. Hence, Red Bull decided to conduct a double pit for both drivers early on. However, amidst the haste of a double pit stop, Perez had an ‘unsafe release’ from the pit box and nearly collided with the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso.

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As a result, the incident was immediately taken notice of by the Stewards. Hence, a time penalty of five seconds was awarded to the driver due to unsafe release. Also, the signal at the pit box for Perez indicated a red light and unsafe to go, however, the driver decided to take the risk. Regardless of the time penalty, the driver’s finish in the pecking order was unfazed as he secured a ten-second lead over Charles Leclerc in third.

Hence, during the Saudi Arabian GP, Sergio Perez received one penalty point. The Mexican driver has collected eight penalty points in the past ten races, starting from the Singapore GP. Hence, if the 34-year-old will receive four other penalty points during the upcoming races, he could receive a one-race ban in the 2024 season. As a result, the driver would need to be more careful not to receive any penalties to stand a chance against Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez lucky that penalty didn’t impact P2 result

Checo shared his opinions about receiving the penalties. Fernando Alonso had to take evasive actions to prevent himself from crashing and sabotaging races for both drivers. Hence, Perez mentioned that it was a ‘shame’ that he received the penalty. However, the Mexican driver was glad with the fact that his race was not hurt due to the five-second time penalty.

It's a shame that we got that penalty, but luckily it didn’t hurt our race.
Perez said, as reported by racefans.net.
Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez (via IMAGO)

The Mexican mentioned he was too close to the Dutchman before the stop. Additionally, all the other drivers pitting at the same time caused Sergio Perez to hastily exit from the pits. Hence, Perez asked for a bigger pit lane to avoid any crashes like this in coming future.

I think in these scenarios, I was quite close to Max [Verstappen] and everyone was coming in at the same time, we just need a wider pit lane.

Sergio Perez concluded the race with a P2 finish despite qualifying in the third position. Hence, Red Bull has been performing very well for the beginning of the season. Milton Keynes could potentially showcase a repeat of the dominant 2023 performance alongside the two drivers. Hence, the team is preparing to score great results at the coming Australian GP.

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