Charles Leclerc takes a step forward, Sergio Perez penalized

Sergio Perez penalized

The third round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship will see a significant change in the starting grid. Sergio Perez è was in fact penalized for "impeding" towards Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying, which saw Red Bull’s Max Verstappen take pole position.

According to the International Automobile Federation's (FIA) official communique, Red Bull s Mexican driver obstructed his German colleague in sector 13 during Q1, thus compromising his fastest lap. After a detailed analysis of the situations and radio messages, the stewards decided to penalize Perez with a three-place grid penalty.

As a result, Perez, who originally qualified third, will start from sixth position, allowing McLaren’s Lando Norris, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri to move up one position.