F1 drivers to discuss Jeddah changes with FIA ahead of March return

Sergio Perez has insisted safety must be the "priority" for F1 and will seek talks over changes to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit after the inaugural race in Saudi Arabia.

Fears of a major incident were realised during Sunday's race when Perez's Red Bull collided with the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc at turn three at the first red-flag restart, causing a backlog of cars resulting in a nasty crash between Nikita Mazepin and George Russell.

The retirement for the Mexican all but confirms Mercedes as constructors' champions unless something disastrous unfolds for the Silver Arrows in Abu Dhabi.

Perez had been vocal about the perils of the circuit ahead of the race and asked if the incident he was involved with was what he had feared, he replied: "More than that.

"After the red flag, I was a bit unlucky with it so I lost a couple of positions but then at the restart, I had a good one, things were looking good at the time.

"Then, unfortunately, we were unable to consolidate on that as Charles was in a position where he couldn't do anything.

"I wasn't expecting him to be there anymore because there was no more room for him.

"Then as we were doing the corner he just mangled my rear-left tyre."

On whether changes needed to be made to the circuit, Perez added: "It's something we will happily discuss with the FIA to see what are the thoughts of everyone and see what is possible to change and what is not.

"Safety has to be a priority."

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