Sergio Perez, Red Bull Formula 1 driver, received a formal warning from FIA stewards at the season finale in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He received warning instead of a penalty only after he apologised for derogatory comments about stewards.
Perez received a five second penalty for hitting the British driver, Lando Norris. The incident occurred when the former tried to surpass the McLaren driver.
The Red Bull driver blamed Norris for the incident citing his position ahead of the McLaren’s car. However, Norris claimed he intended to let go of his place and tried to make space for the RB driver. Nonetheless, both drivers collided resulting in penalty.
Perez outright rejected the penalty which cost him two place and deprived him of podium. He criticized the decision after finishing the race and lashed out at the stewards.
He radioed: “The stewards are a joke, man. I cannot believe it. They have been very bad this year, but this is a joke. That was really a joke.”
Steward Decision on Perez remarks
The stewards called Perez for explanation, who later apologised for his remarks. It resulted in settling the issue with a formal warning.
The decision detailed the incident, remarks and verdict where the stewards claims having no issues with criticism.
But it remarked that Perez violated the Article 12.2.1 k) of the International Sporting Code by making “personal insults” toward stewards.
“The Stewards explained to the driver that they had no issue with someone disagreeing with their decisions.
“However comments that amount to personal insults are a breach of the International Sporting Code,” their statement read.
“The Stewards note that they are obviously conflicted in this matter as they were the subject of the radio statements. And that normally this would be referred to the next panel of Stewards. However as this is the final event of the season, the matter needed to be dealt with here.
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“The driver made a genuine and sincere apology to each of the Stewards. He explained that he made the comments in the heat of the moment and did not consider the fact that they would be broadcast, and the impact of that.
“He expressed his regret that his comments caused offence to anyone or harm to the sport, which he said he was concerned to avoid. The Stewards accept his statements and accept his apology.
“The Stewards also note that the driver is not known for making such comments and has always been extremely respectful in Stewards hearings.”
