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

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.

READ MORE: F1 winner believes Horner 'close to DESTROYING' team he built

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.

READ MORE: https://www.gpfans.com/us/f1-news/1016561/f1-las-vegas-gp-2024-tickets-staggering-prices/

How did Perez pick up damage?

But the Mexican’s lack of pace wasn’t necessarily his fault, owing to an unusual problem which plagued his pace and affected his Red Bull car.

According to German outlet Auto Motor und Sport, a Fernando Alonso tear-off visor got stuck in one of Sergio Perez’s ‘underbody channels’ - disrupting the airflow and downforce produced by his car.

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.

READ MORE: Hamilton's Mercedes commitment discussed by team-mate amid Ferrari switch

Related

F1 Legends

F1 legend admits new contract is 'probably the last' he'll sign

• April 25, 2024 00:00

F1 Off the Track

Cryptic Taylor Swift lyric from new album sparks fresh Alonso links

• April 20, 2024 17:00