BTN News: Sergio “Checo” Pérez, the Mexican Formula 1 driver, endured a heartbreaking end to his Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024 campaign. With just two laps to go, Pérez collided with Carlos Sainz while fiercely battling for a podium position. The incident forced both drivers to retire from the race, turning what could have been a podium finish into a devastating setback for Pérez and his team, Red Bull Racing. The crash not only dashed Pérez’s hopes but also dealt a blow to Red Bull’s standings in the Constructors’ Championship, allowing McLaren to seize the lead.
Unexpected Collision Turns Podium Battle Into Disaster
During the 50th lap of the race, between turns 2 and 3, the battle for third place intensified. Pérez moved aggressively to overtake Sainz on the outside. However, as he gained ground, Sainz closed the gap sharply, leading to a collision that sent both cars crashing into the barriers. Both vehicles were heavily damaged, forcing an early retirement for the two drivers.
On his team radio, a frustrated Pérez exclaimed, “What the hell is he doing? Is he stupid or what?” Meanwhile, Sainz, bewildered, asked, “What happened? I don’t understand.” The dramatic exchange underscored the chaotic and contentious end to the race for both competitors.
Winners and Losers: A Tough Day for Red Bull and Pérez
The race concluded with Oscar Piastri of McLaren taking the victory, followed by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari in second place and George Russell of Mercedes securing the third spot on the podium. Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen finished just off the podium, missing the opportunity to maintain Red Bull’s lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
Checo Pérez Reflects: “A Disastrous Weekend for Us”
After the race, Pérez took a more measured tone, acknowledging his disappointment but remaining optimistic. “It was a disastrous weekend,” he stated. “We should have finished second or third; we had the pace to fight for the win. Carlos is the last person I wanted to have this kind of contact with. It’s a bad day for the Championship, but we still have seven races left; there is time to improve.”
Pérez described the moments leading to the collision, explaining, “We exited the second corner with enough space between us, but when Charles Leclerc moved inside, Carlos tried to slipstream. He picked up speed quickly and hit my front wheel. That ended the race for both of us.”
What’s Next for Sergio Pérez and Red Bull?
Despite the setback, Pérez remains hopeful for the upcoming races. “It’s a shame for the team and the championship. After all the hard work over the weekend, it’s tough to accept this outcome,” he admitted. “But the positive is that we’ve regained our pace, and the changes to the car seem to be putting us back in the fight.”
Pérez emphasized the need to stay focused: “We were fighting for the win today and looked set for a great result. We have to keep progressing and hope to be strong again in the upcoming races.”
Looking Ahead to Singapore: Can Pérez Bounce Back?
The next stop for the Formula 1 circuit is Singapore, a track where Pérez has tasted victory before, winning the famous night race at Marina Bay two years ago. As Red Bull Racing seeks to reclaim its lead in the Constructors’ Championship, all eyes will be on Pérez to see if he can turn the tide in what has been a rollercoaster season so far.
A Tight Championship Race Continues
With seven races remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, the championship battle remains wide open. McLaren’s victory in Baku has tightened the competition, and Red Bull Racing now faces a fierce contest to regain their lead. For Pérez, the focus will be on moving past this setback and gearing up for a strong performance in Singapore.
