In a recent interview, Red Bull Racing’s advisor, Helmut Marko, expressed his dissatisfaction with the three-grid drop penalty imposed on Sergio “Checo” Pérez during the 2024 Formula 1 season. The penalty was handed down after Pérez’s car suffered damage during a race with changing weather conditions.
During the race, Pérez’s rear-view mirrors became dirty, obstructing his view of the rear. Despite this, the team could see from the data that the suspensions were intact. Marko argues that in such situations, drivers should be allowed to bring their cars back to the pits for assessment, especially when the extent of the damage is unclear.
🗣️ | Helmut Marko on Checo's three-grid drop penalty: "It's too harsh."
"In a race with changing conditions you have to bring your car back, especially when it's not clear at first exactly what the damage looks like.
Pérez's rear-view mirrors were dirty, he couldn't see exactly… pic.twitter.com/9ESu2CJfUX
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) June 12, 2024
Marko emphasized the need for flexibility in assessing penalties. He stated, “In a race with changing conditions, you have to bring your car back, especially when it’s not clear at first exactly what the damage looks like.” According to him, Pérez’s attempt to continue racing and fight for points was reasonable given the circumstances.
Marko also drew a comparison to a previous incident involving Lewis Hamilton. He recalled, “I remember that Lewis Hamilton once crossed the finish line in Silverstone on three wheels and won. Strangely, there was no penalty back then.” This highlights the inconsistency in penalty decisions and raises questions about the severity of Pérez’s punishment.
Lewis Hamilton’s Historic Win: Crossing the Line on Three Wheels
In a nail-biting finish at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton defied the odds and clinched victory in the 2020 British Grand Prix. As he approached the final lap, disaster struck – his front-left tire was nearly down to the rim. Sparks flew as he pushed his car to the limit, navigating corners at speeds of up to 141 kph.
Despite the tire malfunction, Hamilton nursed his car across the line, securing his seventh win in his home race. His race-craft and determination were on full display as he held off Max Verstappen, who was rapidly closing the gap. The margin of victory? Just 5.856 seconds.
Hamilton’s victory was historic. Not only did he become the first driver to win his home race seven times, but he also solidified his place as the most successful British driver in Formula 1 history. His ability to manage a three-wheeled car to victory remains one of the sport’s most memorable moment.
READ MORE: Helmut Marko’s Unexpected Choice of Rival F1 Team: ‘Best Driver Pairing on the Grid’
