Sergio Perez has been demoted three places on the starting grid for tomorrow’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix after he impeded Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying.
Hulkenberg had been on a timed run in Q1 when he encountered a slow-moving Perez at Turn 13, forcing him to reduce his speed and move from the racing line.
The Stewards heard from Perez, Hulkenberg and team representatives, while also reviewing in-car video evidence to determine that the Red Bull had blocked the Haas.
Although the Stewards took into account that Perez wasn’t warned about Hulkenberg approaching, it was judged that the Mexican “unnecessarily impeded” Hulkenberg.
Therefore, Perez will drop three places from third to sixth for the race, with McLaren’s Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and home favourite Oscar Piastri moving up.
“Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13,” the Stewards’ verdict wrote.
“Perez, who was on an out lap was at the apex of the turn and Hulkenberg had to leave the racing line to drive around him. Hulkenberg was forced to lift the throttle early and brake early for that corner.
“In reviewing the audio from Perez’ car, the Stewards observed that the team was focused on the car in front of Perez that had just slowed, and did not give Perez a warning that Hulkenberg was behind him until one second before Hulkenberg arrived, and significantly too late to avoid impeding Hulkenberg.
“While the Stewards appreciate the dynamic situation facing the team and driver during the Q1 session, which was described in the hearing, the Stewards find that Perez “Unnecessarily Impeded” Hulkenberg and issue a three grid place drop, consistent with previous cases.”
Meanwhile, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly escaped a grid drop as he received a reprimand for crossing the line on the pit exit during the opening segment of qualifying.
The Frenchman went over the yellow line while joining the track from the pit lane in Q1, but the Stewards deemed the manoeuvre not to be a “dangerous” action.
That marks the first reprimand of the season for Gasly, who was knocked out in Q1 for the third consecutive weekend as he languished in 17th place in the order.
