Sergio Perez’s Mexican Grand Prix lasted just one corner after he was forced to retire from the race with terminal damage – however Red Bull asserts it can’t blame the 33-year-old for his feisty nature on the opening lap.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner feels he can not blame Sergio Perez for wanting to be aggressive at the start of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Perez commenced the race from fifth on the grid but a strong launch off the line as well as the use of a slipstream drew him alongside Charles Leclerc and team-mate Max Verstappen as they approached the first corner.
However, contact was made between Perez and Leclerc and the home favourite was forced to retire.
Coupled with Lewis Hamilton’s second place and fastest lap, it meant that Perez’s lead in the points was cut to 20 as the fight for second place hots up.
Horner reveals Perez conversation
Speaking to media including RacingNews365 after the race, Horner has asserted he understands Perez’s willingness to impress on home soil.
“I’m absolutely gutted to see Checo go out on the first corner,” said Horner. “He had probably his best start of the season.
“He got the draft and the tow from the three cars ahead and so arrived [at Turn 1] with massive overspeed.
“You can’t blame him at his home race, going to try and take the lead of the Grand Prix.
“You have to call it a racing incident because three into one doesn’t go and Charles obviously couldn’t really get out of it. He broke late.
“It was frustrating for Checo and really disappointing for his fans to lose him at the first corner, the guys did their best to get him back out.
“There was just too much damage to the floor and underbody of the car. You can see on the replay Charles was in a bit of a Red Bull sandwich.”
Horner also revealed that he gave Perez words of encouragement while consoling him, reminding him that the next race is coming up straight away this weekend in Brazil.
“I think it’s a tough moment for him, it’s in front of his home crowd,” said Horner. “He’s very emotional.
“I just said to him [that the] next race is next week [in Brazil], you’re going for the lead in your home race.
“You wouldn’t be a racing driver if you weren’t going for it.”
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