Perez Faces Major Grid Penalty After Heavy Baku Crash.
Baku, Azerbaijan – September 20, 2024 – In a dramatic turn of events at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez has been handed a significant grid penalty following a major crash during the final practice session. The crash occurred at the tricky Turn 15 of the Baku City Circuit, a corner notorious for catching drivers out due to its combination of speed, narrow walls, and limited run-off area.
Perez, who was pushing hard to fine-tune his setup ahead of the qualifying session, lost control of his car in the braking zone, slamming into the barriers at high speed. The crash left his car severely damaged, with the rear suspension and gearbox sustaining heavy impacts. Although the Mexican driver was unharmed, the accident led to an immediate red flag, halting the session for nearly 30 minutes as marshals worked to clear the debris.
The aftermath of the crash has dealt a significant blow to Perez’s hopes for a strong result in Baku, as Red Bull Racing confirmed that a gearbox change would be required to get his car back on track for qualifying. Under Formula 1 regulations, changing a gearbox before the mandatory six-race cycle results in a grid penalty, and Perez will now face a five-place drop on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
A Tough Blow for Red Bull’s Championship Campaign
The grid penalty comes at a critical juncture in the season, with Perez locked in a fierce battle for the championship. His Red Bull teammate, reigning champion Max Verstappen, continues to lead the standings, but Perez has been one of his closest challengers. A strong result in Baku was seen as essential for Perez to keep his title hopes alive, but the crash and subsequent penalty may now jeopardize his chances of mounting a serious challenge.
Perez expressed his disappointment after the session, stating, “It’s incredibly frustrating. We were trying different things with the car, and it just got away from me. I’ll do everything I can to recover in the race, but starting further back is never ideal, especially on a street circuit like Baku where overtaking is tricky.”
Opportunities for Rivals
The penalty also opens up opportunities for Perez’s rivals, particularly Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, both of whom have been searching for momentum after difficult starts to the weekend. With Perez starting lower on the grid, they could capitalize on the opportunity to secure vital points.
As the dust settles on Perez’s crash, attention now shifts to qualifying, where Red Bull will be hoping that Verstappen can avoid a similar fate. But for Perez, Sunday’s race will be an uphill battle, with the grid penalty adding another layer of complexity to what was already shaping up to be a challenging weekend.