Perez-Massa collision: Mexican’s penalty confirmed
The decision was made after nearly two hours of deliberation. Sergio Pérez was indeed found guilty of the collision with Felipe Massa during the last lap of the Canadian Grand Prix. He will therefore drop five places on the starting grid for the Austrian Grand Prix.
A blow for nothing. Or almost. If nothing has changed for Sergio Pérez, the FIA has clearly explained the decision made by the Canadian Grand Prix stewards, following the last-lap accident between Sergio Pérez’s Force India and Felipe Massa’s Williams, after which the Mexican was handed a five-place grid penalty. Two elements were presented to the FIA by Force India: the telemetry and, above all, the testimony of Sergio Pérez, who had not been able to be heard following the accident! Felipe Massa neither, for that matter.
The Mexican’s hearing took place this morning. Upon leaving, Pérez seemed relatively confident of obtaining a favorable outcome. It was not the case. The Austrian Grand Prix stewards, appointed by the FIA, chose to uphold the decision made by their Canadian counterparts. In a statement, the FIA explains: « The driver of car No. 11 provided new evidence proving that in defending his position, he was entitled, according to Article 20.4 of the 2014 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, to use the entire track. »
This is where the distinction is made, as specified by the FIA. It was clear to the stewards that Pérez’s defense of his position occurred in the braking zone. Article 20.4 specifies that any right to defend a position by using the entirety of the track must occur before the braking zone. Therefore, the driver of car No. 11 was not permitted to defend his position in the manner he did.
Sergio Pérez and Force India can still appeal the decision. Otherwise, the Mexican will drop five places on the starting grid.
From our special correspondent in Austria
