Perez Gives Half-Apology After Meeting With Stewards Concerning His Team Radio In Abu Dhabi

Monday, 27 November 2023 at 22:00

Sergio Perez responded to the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-race incident through his social media account.

Red Bull Racing F1 driver Sergio Perez was summoned by stewards following the race finish at Yas Marina Circuit after calling them a "joke" and "not on F1 level."

The Mexican driver apparently apologized to stewards and went over the incident involving Lando Norris with them. As a result of the hearing, Perez was issued a formal warning by the stewards.

While it was noted that the Red Bull driver still disagreed with the stewards' decision to be awarded the five-second penalty, which lost him on the podium, he apparently acknowledged their perspective.

The 33-year-old later posted a statement on his Instagram story in relation to all that happened. He wrote his actions were influenced by passion and adrenaline after losing the podium:

“"This sport brings out the best in all of us and also the passion. Tonight I spoke with that passion & adrenaline after losing a podium."”

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Mercedes and Ferrari team principals Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur were summoned to the stewards for a similar problem just one race before - the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

They were both also issued a formal warning after using inappropriate language during the press conference following the controversial Free Practice session one.

As opposed to the team principals who spoke directly to the press, Perez might not have realized in the heat of the moment that all his words on the team radio were recorded and broadcast to the whole world. The Red Bull Racing driver added:

“"It's hard always having a radio live, not most sports have that. But I owed the stewards more respect, we all have a job to do and I respect the job they have to do in high pressure situations."”