Experts Divided Over Blame In Sainz vs. Perez Azerbaijan GP Crash

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 15:01

Analysts and former F1 drivers shared contrasting opinions in the debate over the collision between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Red Bull Racing F1 driver Sergio Perez found themselves out of the 17th round of the season in Baku after they collided on the penultimate lap of the race.

The two F1 drivers were fighting for the podium and big important points for their teams but ended up with nothing after a weird collision coming out of turn number 2 at Baku City Circuit.

The Spaniard had a bad run out of the corner, and Perez managed to get slightly alongside him. At that point, their cars met while going in a straight line and smashed into the barrier on the left.

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Sparks fly on the streets of Baku! 💥😱 This moment between Sainz and Perez effectively ended the race, and cost both the chance of a podium! #F1 #AzerbaijanGP

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Each driver claimed the incident that it certainly wasn't his fault. Could neither of them be at fault? We put together the opinions of F1 experts to uncover the truth behind the controversial crash.

Jolyon Palmer's Opinion

Jolyon Palmer is a former F1 driver and co-commentator / analyst for F1TV. While he said it could be argued it was a 50/50 racing incident, he explained why he would predominantly blame Sergio Perez.

Palmer argued that if the Mexican driver had so much space to his left and was still not completely alongside Sainz, he should have used it.

“"Perez has to use all of the space on the left-hand side. Sainz is quite well ahead at this point, he's entitled to move across while there is still space for Checo to track."”

“"I think he'll be disappointed that Perez simply held his ground trying to keep the slipstream with Charles Leclerc ahead. For me, Perez had more space and didn't use it."”

Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crash into the wall after colliding on the straight at Baku City Circuit during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz (in front) and Sergio Perez smashing into the wall after colliding during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Karun Chandhok's Opinion

Karun Chandhok is a former F1 driver and Sky Sport's F1 co-commentator. From his point of view, Carlos Sainz should take more of the blame for the collision. Here is what he said on Sky Sports F1:

“"Carlos is edging in, edging in… he has moved away from the white line, deviated from the line. From the onboards we can see which way the drivers are looking."”

“"Sainz looks in the mirror, just at the point before they make contact, he has spotted Perez. Unfortunately for Carlos, I think he's got to take more of the blame."”

Ralf Schumacher's Opinion:

Ralf Schumacher is a six-time F1 Grand Prix winner, and he shared his thoughts with Sky Germany. He asserted that neither of the two drivers was predominantly to blame as both could have done more to avoid the incident.

“"For whatever reason, he [Sainz] moved over, but Perez didn't move to the side either. They touched each other and I say misery against misery."”

“"Both have so much experience, that doesn't have to happen so close to the end. You have to take the points."”

FIA's Final Verdict On The Crash Between Perez and Sainz

Ultimately, FIA ruled that the crash was a "racing incident," and neither driver was more to blame than the other. The official document published on the FIA's website noted that Sainz moved towards Perez.

However, the Red Bull driver had a lot of space to his left, which he should have used. Both drivers could have done more to avoid the collision.