November 26th 2023.
Sergio Perez was left fuming after being handed a five-second penalty for a collision with Lando Norris in the closing stages of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The incident cost the Mexican a podium finish, with Perez finishing fourth behind Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
Both drivers initially blamed each other for the incident, with Norris saying over the radio: “That’s just dangerous driving. He had loads of space!” Though no harm was done, with Norris holding his position for another lap before being passed cleanly, the stewards didn’t see it that way.
Perez argued post-race, “We touched tyre to tyre. When you dive from behind and go to the brakes you are not in full control of the car. Lando knew I was there and decided to turn in. I just feel in my honest opinion it was a racing incident. I think the stewards were very poor today in my opinion. We’ve seen a lot worse. Lando cut the corner and gained time, and I still got a penalty.”
Despite the disappointment, the 33-year-old was happy with the performance of his team. “Happy with the whole team. They have done a tremendous job. We deserved a lot more today.”
Norris, who came home fifth, offered his side of the story, saying, “I tried to let the guy [Perez] go and he crashed into me! I don’t know what he was doing, a bit careless to be honest.”
The stewards are continuing to investigate the incident, and we will update you with further information as it becomes available.
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