Infringement Car 11 Impeding Of Car 27
Australian Grand Prix · 2024 · 23 March 2024 · Doc 36
- Driver
- Sergio Perez
- Team
- Oracle Red Bull Racing
- Session
- Qualifying
2024 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
22 - 24 March 2024
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Oracle Red Bull Racing Document 36 Date 23 March 2024 Time 19:00
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 32 & 33) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 11 - Sergio Perez Competitor Oracle Red Bull Racing Time 16:03 Session Qualifying Fact Car 11 unnecessarily impeding Car 27 in Turn 13. Infringement Breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. Decision Drop of 3 grid positions for the next Race in which the driver participates. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 11 (Sergio Perez), the driver of Car 27 (Nico Hulkenberg), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. 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' 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. 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. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
The Stewards Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.