F1 News

Sergio Perez makes rookie error in Qatar sprint

Perez loses precious time with this bizarre pit lane error

30 November at 14:18

Sergio Perez made a rookie error at the start of the sprint race, costing him precious time and a position to Franco Colapinto. The Red Bull driver didn't start driving when the green light came on at the end of the pitlane.

The Mexican failed to get a good result in qualifying, and Red Bull later changed his car during Parc Ferme conditions. This resulted in a pit lane start for Perez, along with Colapinto. Perez was ahead at the end of the pitlane. When the green light came on, Perez didn't seem to be in a rush to move away and was caught snoozing.

He lost precious time. Colapinto, who is in his first Formula 1 season, opted to overtake him and get on with the sprint race. Perez has a contract with Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season, but there is doubt about his future due to his current performances. Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, at VCARB, are leading candidates to replace the Mexican if Red Bull opt to make the change. Red Bull are also rumoured to be interested in Colapinto. 

Follow the rest of the sprint race here.