Perez suffers grid penalty, Piastri to start 5th

Sergio Perez will not start the 2024 Australian Grand Prix from third having received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg. 

Perez qualified third behind poleman Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz with a 1:16.27, three tenths off the ultimate pace set by his Red Bull teammate.

But now the Mexican will start sixth, with Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri promoted a place, meaning the Aussie will line up in grid position #5.

The incident arrived on Perez’s warmup lap ahead of his first run in Q1.

The #11 Red Bull was moving slowly at the apex of turn 13 when Hulkenberg encountered him at the end of a hot lap.

“Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13,” the stewards said.

“Perez, who was on an out lap was at the apex of the turn and Hulkenberg had to leave the racing line to drive around him. Hulkenberg was forced to lift the throttle early and brake early for that corner.

“In reviewing the audio from Perez’ car, the Stewards observed that the team was focused on the car in front of Perez that had just slowed, and did not give Perez a warning that Hulkenberg was behind him until one second before Hulkenberg arrived, and significantly too late to avoid impeding Hulkenberg.

“While the Stewards appreciate the dynamic situation facing the team and driver during the Q1 session, which was described in the hearing, the Stewards find that Perez “Unnecessarily Impeded” Hulkenberg and issue a three grid place drop, consistent with previous cases.”

Reflecting on the moment itself, Hulkenberg believes the parked Perez cost him “a few tenths.”

“Maybe, because that lap I think was my first 1m17.9s also, and it cost a few tenths,” the German veteran told AUTOSPORT.

“He was having Mexican siesta, I think. He wasn’t looking in the mirror.

“The closing speed coming around Turn 12, it’s so quick now and if you’re not paying attention enough, it happens very easily and quick.

“But, of course, it shouldn’t happen.”

2024 Australian Grand Prix schedule (AEDT)

Friday, March 22

Practice 1: 1: L. Norris 2: M. Verstappen 3: G. Russell

Practice 2: 1: C. Leclerc 2: M. Verstappen 3: C. Sainz

Saturday, March 23

Practice 3: 12.30-13.30

Qualifying: 16.00-17.00

Sunday, March 24

Grand Prix: 15.00

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