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Laurence Edmondson, F1 Editor
ABU DHABI — Sergio Pérez was given a proper warning by the stewards on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after he labelled their determination to hit him with a five-second penalty “a joke” over workforce radio.
The Pink Bull driver clashed with Lando Norris on lap 47 of the race at Flip 6 as they battled for fourth place, with the stewards penalising him for inflicting the collision.
Perez went on to complete second on the street however dropped to fourth place as soon as the penalty was utilized.
“The stewards are a joke, man,” Perez mentioned on workforce radio as he returned to the pits after the chequered flag. “I can’t consider [it].
“They’ve been very dangerous this yr, however it is a joke. This was actually a joke.”
The stewards issued Perez with a “formal warning” for the feedback and supplied the next rationalization for his or her determination.
“The stewards defined to the driving force that they’d no difficulty with somebody disagreeing with their selections, nevertheless feedback that quantity to private insults are a breach of the Worldwide Sporting Code.
“The stewards be aware that they’re clearly conflicted on this matter as they have been the topic of the radio statements and that usually this may be referred to the following panel of stewards nevertheless as that is the ultimate occasion of the season, the matter wanted to be handled right here.
“The driving force made a real and honest apology to every of the stewards and defined that he made the feedback within the warmth of the second and didn’t contemplate the truth that they’d be broadcast, and the influence of that.
“He expressed his remorse that his feedback prompted offence to anybody or hurt to the game, which he mentioned he was involved to keep away from. The stewards settle for his statements and settle for his apology.
“The stewards additionally be aware that the driving force just isn’t recognized for making such feedback and has all the time been extraordinarily respectful in stewards hearings. He was additionally reminded that the stewards are all the time accessible to clarify their selections when requested by a driver or workforce consultant.
“The driving force, workforce supervisor and the stewards had a constructive dialogue in regards to the use and broadcast of workforce radio messages. The incident itself was additionally reviewed intimately with the driving force and though he nonetheless disagreed with the choice he said he might perceive the stewards’ perspective of the incident.”
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Former Pink Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi was one of many 4 stewards in Abu Dhabi and, talking earlier than the choice was issued, Pink Bull workforce principal Christian Horner mentioned there can be a sure irony in Liuzzi issuing a sanction for feedback made on workforce radio.
“I believe he was simply venting his frustration,” Horner mentioned. “The issue is, in case you are a footballer and you’re having a rant, you have not obtained a microphone in your shirt. I perceive his frustration, he is misplaced a podium, so he has had a vent, however sadly that vent has been broadcast.
“I am certain the stewards will take that into consideration once they speak to him later. I believe it’s a must to keep in mind that that could be a racing driver who has simply had a podium taken off him.
“I believe it does have to be taken into consideration, the driving force steward is right here this weekend and is well-known to have had just a few rants in his day when he used to drive for me a few years in the past. It occurs. He is simply lucky that it wasn’t broadcast.”