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
'It's Disaster': Perez Reacts DNF Caused By Collision With Sainz
F1Monday, 16 September 2024 at 14:00
Updated at Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 16:30
Sergio Perez reacted to his collision with Carlos Sainz, resulting in a DNF for both drivers during the 17th round of the 2024 season in Baku.
Red Bull Racing F1 driver drove incredibly throughout the whole 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, and it was clear from the start of the first practice session that he would be competitive at what is his second-most favorite circuit (after Mexico).
The 34-year-old was patiently running the whole race in P3 and came very close to overtaking Charles Leclerc for P2 at the start of the penultimate lap.
However, that's where everything went wrong. Carlos Sainz (from P4), who joined the battle, overtook Perez in the first corner, and as they went side by side with the Mexican out of the second one, the two drivers collided and crashed into the wall on the left-hand side.
Perez and Sainz went from fighting for a podium to suddenly being out of the race with zero points scored. The Mexican driver told the media at Baku City Circuit after the race:
"[I'm] super frustrated that we both ended our weekends like that for our teams. It's just a shame because when we exited Turn 2 there was a metre between the cars. And then within a metre or two, we ended up making contact."
"I think, obviously, I understand what Carlos was trying to do to follow Charles’ tow, but I was there, you know?"
Carlos Sainz shared his perspective on the collision right after the race. The Spaniard believed he did nothing wrong: "This time, I'm 100% convinced I didn't do anything wrong or anything aggressive."
Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner suggested it was a real shame Perez's race ended like this, as he was convinced the Mexican driver deserved a podium finish for his drive in Baku. Perez added:
"It all happened very quickly as he had more speed, and the way he moved meant he touched my front right-tyre quite quickly."
"It's a real shame that it happened. I mean, I am lost for words. It's a disaster for the championship. For both of our weekends to end like this, when we definitely had more on the table, is a disaster."
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