Pérez given formal warning after calling stewards ‘a joke’،
ABU DHABI – Sergio Pérez has received a formal warning from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards after calling their decision to give him a five-second penalty a “joke” on team radio.
The Red Bull driver clashed with Lando Norris on lap 47 of the race at Turn 6 as they battled for fourth position, with stewards penalizing him for causing the collision.
Perez finished second on the road but dropped to fourth once the penalty was applied.
“The stewards are a joke, man,” Perez said over team radio as he returned to the pits after the checkered flag. “I can not believe [it].
“They’ve been really bad this year, but it’s a joke. It really was a joke.”
The stewards issued Perez a “formal warning” for his comments and offered the following explanation for their decision.
“The stewards explained to the driver that they had no problem with anyone disagreeing with their decisions, but comments that amount to personal insults are a violation of the International Sporting Code.
“The stewards note that they are clearly conflicted on this issue as it has been the subject of radio statements and normally this would be referred to the next panel of stewards, but as this is the final event of season, the matter had to be settled. dealt with here.
“The pilot offered a genuine and sincere apology to each of the stewards and explained that he had made these comments in the heat of the moment and had not taken into account that they would be broadcast and the impact of that.
“He expressed regret that his comments offended anyone or harmed the sport, which he said he wanted to avoid. The stewards accept his statements and accept his apology.
“The stewards also note that the driver is not known to make such comments and has always been extremely respectful during steward hearings. It was also reminded that the stewards are always available to explain their decisions to the request from a driver or team representative.”
“The driver, team manager and stewards had a constructive discussion about the use and broadcast of team radio messages. The incident itself was also discussed in detail with the driver and although “He still disagrees with the decision, he said he could understand the stewards’ point of view of the incident.”
Former Red Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi was one of four commissioners in Abu Dhabi and, speaking before the decision was made, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said he There would be some irony in Liuzzi imposing a sanction for comments made on team radio.
“I think he was just expressing his frustration,” Horner said. “The problem is if you’re a footballer and you’re giving a rant, you don’t have a microphone on your shirt. I understand his frustration, he lost a podium, so he had a vent, but unfortunately that vent has been broadcast.
“I’m sure the stewards will take that into account when they talk to him later. I think we have to take into account that this is a racing driver who has just had a podium taken away from him.
“I think it needs to be taken into account, the drivers commissioner is here this weekend and is well known for having had a few rants in his time when he drove for me many years ago. It happens . He’s just lucky it didn’t air.”
