Despite the 5 second penalty for unsafe release Sergio Perez managed to finish the race Jeddah in second position, completing Red Bull's second double of the season. Symptom of a much more solid Red Bull on the track than it appears in the paddock, still in turmoil over the case Horner. However, Jeddah's penalty did not stop at the 5 seconds that are usually given on these occasions. The commissioners have in fact decided to further sanction Perez by taking away 1 point from his Superlicence. An important detail given that the Mexican now only has 4 points. A further mistake, a penalty even similar to that of Jeddah, could cost Perez a disqualification for a Grand Prix.
The unsafe release, the commissioners find Perez guilty
Usually on these occasions the "blame" is placed on the mechanics for having made the pilot start too soon. However, in Jeddah the commissioners noticed an element that would directly blame Perez, guilty of having left when the traffic light was still red.
According to what is read in the press release: “The Stewards have reviewed video evidence, team radio and on-board reports and have determined that car 11 exited the pit stop in an unsafe manner. Car 14 had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Making matters worse was the fact that car 11 left the pits when it had been shown a red light (indicating not to go out)".
For this reason they also decided to remove 1 point from the Superlicense Perez who will now no longer be able to afford mistakes until September 2024, when the first points will be credited back to him. A situation to be observed very carefully also Fantasy F1.
The risk of disqualification worries Red Bull
Although the RB20 is clearly the best car on the grid, Red Bull does not intend to leave even a single point to its opponents. Especially when it comes to the fight in the constructors' championship. After the first two races the Austrian team is on 87 points, followed by Ferrari on 49. McLaren and Mercedes are further away at 28 and 26 points. The Maranello team at the moment seems to be the only one able to squeeze in between the two Red Bulls, stealing some precious points for the standings.
The penalty arrived in Jeddah therefore weighs particularly heavily on the future of Red Bull and Perez who now has 8 penalty points (out of the 12 granted before the disqualification was triggered). A further mistake could cost him disqualification for a Grand Prix, and who knows, maybe even a seat in Red Bull.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
