Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix: We finally know the reason for the crash between Perez and Ocon in Practice

During the mid-session of FP1 for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the red flag was waved, a strange scene happened on the track: Sergio Perez’s car was immobilized, and Esteban Ocon was driving slowly with the right front tire heavily marked.

Due to a technical incident, the onboard cameras not being operational, the replay of the action was not possible, leaving a big blur on the responsibilities of a potential crash.

Thanks to the on-board cameras reviewed after the session by the stewards, the accident was able to be explained.

Esteban Ocon was on a slowing-down lap and wanted to let Sergio Perez pass at a not so obvious spot, between two narrow turns. Perez, arriving faster, cut across too soon on the Alpine and hit the left front, breaking his wheel rim and wrecking Ocon’s steering.

As a reminder, the race stewards did not pursue the investigation into this accident, quickly classifying it as a racing incident. Both drivers ultimately escape without penalties.