<< Return to the news list

Perez 'surprised' but 'happy' Verstappen wasn't penalised in Austria

Published on 11 Jul 2019 15:14
3
By: Fergal Walsh

Sergio Perez admits that he was surprised Max Verstappen didn't receive a penalty for his overtake on Charles Leclerc in Austria.

In the final laps of the race at the Red Bull Ring two weeks ago, Verstappen made contact with Leclerc at Turn 3, which saw Leclerc go off the circuit and concede his lead.

MORE: Perez expects Mexican GP future to be decided 'very soon' | Perez: Drivers united in wish for a level playing field

A lengthy stewards investigation followed, where it was determined that Verstappen should not be penalised and was therefore allowed to keep his win.

"In a way that surprised didn't get a penalty," Perez said. "But I was happy also because I think it's just a precedent. Hopefully, they will let us race more and go that far to the limit.

"The rule is forcing another car out of the track, it's clear. But [a penalty] didn't happen this time and I just hope for the future we get more consistency."

Less run-off would solve issues

Perez called for the tracks to become more challenging for the drivers to limit the mistakes that he feels are being made too often.

He also agrees that it would stop drivers from running off the circuit and claiming they were pushed off by a rival.

"I definitely agree, the tracks are too complicated for the stewards," Perez stated.

"For the drivers, we should not be able to make so many mistakes. These days, drivers are often making mistakes, cutting chicanes or whatever.

"It shouldn't be like that. It should be gravel traps, old school tracks. Also the drivers, it's what we've been asking for many years to change and I think hopefully soon we'll see those changes happen."

boudy

Posts: 1,168

Correct, they were two different events. For me the fact Verstappen left space on the lap before and Leclerc used that in order to get ahead again made Verstappen have a different approach to the overtake, later apex followed by no space on the exit for Leclerc to use. For me there was actually ... [Read more]

1
Jul 11 2019 - 18:39

F1 News Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing Racing Point

Replies (3)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
"A surprise for sure, but a welcome one."
- + 0
- Jul 11 2019 - 17:38
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I still think Leclerc was going into a disappearing wedge. This is not Rosberg rushing Lewis to the side on a straight in Bahrain, or Alonso doing it it to Seb in Monza.
- + 0
- Jul 11 2019 - 18:06
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  Correct, they were two different events. For me the fact Verstappen left space on the lap before and Leclerc used that in order to get ahead again made Verstappen have a different approach to the overtake, later apex followed by no space on the exit for Leclerc to use. For me there was actually an case of Leclerc deliberately creating contact in order for an investigation since it was Leclerc who changed the steering angle.
  
  Now I read that the Ferrari driver will change his approach to more aggressive one, we will see how that works out for him.
  + 1
  
  Jul 11 2019 - 18:39