Sergio Perez takes the blame for scary pitlane incident featuring Fernando Alonso at Saudi Arabian GP

The pit-lane incident could've cost Sergio Perez a podium if a late safety car came in the race.

Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso (Via IMAGO)

During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Sergio Perez received a five-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pitlane. This incident caused Aston Martin driver and two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso a massive scare.

The Mexican driver admitted after the race that it was his fault, and he may have misjudged the situation in the pitlane. Sergio Perez explained that he looked in his mirrors while he was being released after his pitstop but couldn’t see anyone behind him.

We were committed to a Safety Car so early and that meant basically everyone went into boxes. When I came out, it was a mistake of mine, because the team told me to keep track of me. But I looked right and there was no one when I looked. In hindsight, I think the penalty was correct and that compromised our race quite a bit.
Perez said via Soymotor.

Fernando Alonso had to brake suddenly and exclaimed that Sergio Perez had an unsafe release. Moreover, luckily the Aston Martin number 14 avoided a possible crash and moved on to finish P5 in the race. Perez meanwhile secured a comfortable P2, behind race winner Max Verstappen.

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Overall, the Red Bull number 11 also added how due to the current size of the Formula 1 cars, the size of the pit lane needs to be widened in order to avoid such tricky situations. Sergio Perez also agreed and said that the penalty was the right decision, and it almost compromised his race.

Keep exploring: Ex-driver questions F1 Academy as they strip Mercedes development driver’s win in Saudi Arabia for a last-lap mistake

Christain Horner’s gives his verdict on Sergio Perez’s Performances so far in 2024

Red Bull Boss, Team Principal Christain Horner has said that Sergio Perez is doing exactly what is needed for him in order to retain his seat. Already, after the Bahrain Grand Prix, Christain Horner had this to say in regards to Sergio Perez’ Performance-

Checo drove an outstanding race as well, coming through the field from fifth on the grid.
Horner said.

This showcases that Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has been performing up to the level that is necessary to retain his Red Bull seat. With performances like these, Sergio Perez can surely be in a good spot for 2025 seat and Danile Ricciardo not producing good results will help him as well.