Sergio Perez has been handed a three-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Australian GP after impeding Nico Hulkenberg.
Perez’ position has been adjusted from third to sixth due as a result of the penalty.
Consequently, McLaren’s Lando Norris moves up to third place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc advances to fourth.
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, representing McLaren, gains fifth place in anticipation of his home race in Melbourne, ahead of Perez, who has been demoted.
Max Verstappen, Perez’s teammate at Red Bull, secures pole position, with Carlos Sainz of Ferrari trailing in second.
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Sergio Perez has been handed a three-place penalty after impeding Nico Hulkenberg
It was found that Red Bull’s pit wall had not adequately warned Perez of the fast-approaching Haas car
McLaren’s Lando Norris moves up to third place, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc moves fourth
Following discussions with race stewards, it was determined that Red Bull’s pit wall had not adequately warned Perez of the fast-approaching Haas car during Q1 qualifying. Perez was on a slower out lap at the time.
The stewards explained: ‘Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13. 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’s 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.’ They added.
‘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.’
Perez, 34, holds the second position in the drivers’ championship after securing second place in the opening races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. He is in the last year of his contract with Red Bull.
