Red Bull driver's Australia GP issues pinned on KEY Alonso action

Fernando Alonso platica con Max Verstappen — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Red Bull driver's Australia GP issues pinned on KEY Alonso action

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso inadvertently hurt his rival's pace

Originally written by Shay Rogers. This version is a translation.

Wednesday 27 March 2024 18:00

A peculiar issue caused by Fernando Alonso halted Red Bull driver Sergio Perez’s race at the Australian Grand Prix.

Perez struggled throughout the race in Melbourne, failing to back up team-mate Max Verstappen after his retirement from the race on lap three.

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He eventually strolled home in fifth place, but in a car which had taken two consecutive one-two finishes before that, making it an underwhelming result.

A podium finish would have sent him to the top of the drivers’ championship standings and helped silence critics who believe he should be replaced when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fernando Alonso managed to thwart Sergio Perez in Australia

Sergio Perez's race was ruined by a visor tear-off

How did Perez pick up damage?

Sergio Perez finished fifth in Melbourne

It’s unknown exactly how much time this will have cost him, but finishing 56 seconds behind Carlos Sainz, who won the race, is a bad look either way you view it.

He now gets two weeks to debrief with his team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix – a track which suits his RB20 car and should give him a good shot at returning to the podium.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Sergio Perez Fernando Alonso Australian Grand Prix