Infringement Car 11 Impeding Car 81
Azerbaijan Grand Prix · 2026 · 25 September 2026 · Doc 48
- Driver
- Sergio Perez
- Team
- Cadillac Formula 1 Team
- Session
- Qualifying
2026 AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
24 - 26 September 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Cadillac Formula 1 Team Document 48 Date 25 September 2026 Time 19:01
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 41 & 42) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 11 - Sergio Perez Competitor Cadillac Formula 1 Team Time 16:11 Session Qualifying Fact Car 11 was driving at reduced speed on the racing line through Turns 18, 19 and 20 and forced Car 81 approaching in a flying lap to lift and change direction. Infringement Breach of Article B4.1.1 of the FIA F1 Regulations and of item 27 of the Race Director's Competition Notes (V2). Decision Drop of 3 grid positions for the next Sprint/Race in which the driver participates. Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 11 (Sergio Perez), the driver of Car 81 (Oscar Piastri), team representatives and reviewed video, timing, telemetry, team radio and in-car video evidence. PER was on a preparation lap between Turns 19 and 20 while PIA was approaching on a flying lap. PER had received two radio warnings that PIA was approaching. At the relevant point PIA was travelling at approximately 300 km/h, while PER was travelling at approximately 248 km/h. The Race Director's specific traffic-management instructions required a driver on a preparation lap in this section of the circuit to remain on the right-hand side. PER was warming his tyres and, rather than maintaining a predictable line on the right-hand side, his tyre-warming manoeuvre placed him in the path of the approaching PIA. PIA consequently had to come off the throttle. PER explained that, in the circumstances, he considered that he had no other reasonable option. PIA confirmed that he had to lift because of PER, although he did not consider that he ultimately lost significant lap time as a consequence. The Stewards considered whether the incident was dangerous but, having reviewed the evidence and heard both drivers, determined that it was not. However, PER had received two warnings of PIA approaching and did not manage his preparation lap in accordance with the specific traffic-management instructions. The fact that PIA was required to lift was sufficient to establish that he had been unnecessarily impeded. The Stewards therefore determine that PER unnecessarily impeded PIA and apply the standard penalty for impeding during Qualifying.
The Stewards 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 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.