Sergio Perez has been issued a formal warning for his criticism of the FIA’s stewards during the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull driver picked up a five-second time penalty after he was deemed the guilty party in a coming together with Lando Norris on Lap 47.
After being let through by Charles Leclerc on the final lap, Perez crossed the line in second place at the Yas Marina Circuit but dropped to fourth place behind Geoerge Russell after the addition of the penalty.
Perez lashed out at the Stewards after the race, saying over the team radio: “The stewards are a joke, man. I cannot believe it.
“They have been very bad this year, but this is a joke. That was really a joke.”
His comments meant a post-race trip to the Stewards over a potential breach of Article 12.2.1.k of the FIA’s International Sporting Code for “misconduct towards licence-holders, officials, officers or member of staff of the staff of the FIA and members of the staff of the organiser or promoter”.
Perez escaped with a formal warning after his visit to the stewards, who said that they “had no issue with someone disagreeing with their decisions however, comments that amount to personal insults are a breach of the International Sporting Code.”
The stewards also noted that as they had been the subject of the Red Bull driver’s radio outburst, the issue would usually be passed over to the next panel of Stewards. However, as Abu Dhabi was the final race of the season, the matter had to be dealt with sooner.
“The driver made a genuine and sincere apology to each of the Stewards and explained that he made the comments in the heat of the moment and did not consider the fact that they would be broadcast, and the impact of that,” the decision read.
“He expressed his regret that his comments caused offence to anyone or harm to the sport, which he said he was concerned to avoid. The Stewards accept his statements and accept his apology.
“The Stewards also note that the driver is not known for making such comments and has always been extremely respectful in Stewards hearings. He was also reminded that the Stewards are always available to explain their decisions when requested by a
driver or team representative.
“The driver, team manager and the Stewards had a constructive discussion about the use and broadcast of team radio messages. The incident itself was also reviewed in detail with the driver and although he still disagreed with the Decision he stated he could understand the Stewards’ perspective of the incident.”
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