The overtake by Sergio Perez on Lando Norris in the 2023 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix leads to contact: the Englishman goes wide at the chicane, and the Mexican receives a penalty from the FIA stewards. The penalty affects the world championship battle, favoring Mercedes over Scuderia Ferrari. The debate heats up, and the Federation explains its decision.
In the final laps of the Grand Prix, during lap 47, the showdown occurs, likely deciding the battle for the Constructors’ P2: Sergio Perez takes advantage on the main straight and makes his move in turn 6 at the Yas Marina circuit. Already alongside the McLaren number 4, the Red Bull makes contact with the opponent.
The contact prompts the race stewards to impose a penalty on the Milton Keynes team’s driver. A 5-second penalty forces Sergio Perez to put in extra effort to try to maintain his position.
In the last laps of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc also tries to help Sergio Perez so that the Mexican can keep his place ahead of George Russell despite the penalty. The efforts will be in vain, and George Russell will secure the necessary points for Mercedes to stay in P2 in the Constructors’ standings.
Sergio Perez’s penalty has sparked discussions on social media and television, and in Abu Dhabi, the FIA has issued a document to explain its decision. “The stewards reviewed the data, videos, team radio, and onboard evidence.”
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“As they approached Turn 6, with Perez alongside Norris, the Red Bull driver dove in late. He missed the apex of the turn and suffered from understeer toward the outside of the curve, making contact with the McLaren.”
This was the Federation’s interpretation of the incident involving Sergio Perez and Lando Norris. Two points have also been deducted from Sergio Perez’s license.
