Australian GP qualifying result changes as Red Bull hit with grid penalty

23 March 2024 , 08:15

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Sergio Perez has been stripped of third place on the Melbourne grid (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Sergio Perez has been slapped with a grid penalty for the Australian Grand Prix.

The Mexican was third quickest on the timesheets at the end of Q3. However, he was under investigation having been accused by race control of impeding Nico Hulkenberg in the first part of the session.

After assessing the evidence, the stewards decided Perez was at fault for getting in the way of the Haas driver. He was given a grid penalty as punishment and will now start Sunday's race sixth on the grid.

The official decision document read: "Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13. 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's 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.

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"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."

Lando Norris benefits from Perez's misfortune, inheriting third place on the grid from the Mexican. Charles Leclerc moves up to fourth while Melbourne boy Oscar Piastri will now start his home race from fifth with the Red Bull on his tail.

Red Bull can stull take comfort from having the quickest race car on the grid and Verstappen on pole. The Dutchman, who on Sunday is looking to match his own record of 10 consecutive Grand Prix victories, said after the session he was surprised with the result.

He told reporters: "I think so far this weekend, it has been a bit tough to find a good balance in the car. Even throughout qualifying, Q1, Q2, I didn't really feel like fighting for pole.

"But then we made some little tickles on the car, and that seemed to help me in Q3 to really push it to the limit. And both of my laps, I felt quite happy with it. There's always things that you can improve, but overall, I'm very satisfied with the performance."

Daniel Moxon