Marko brands Perez as ‘incomprehensible’ after Mexican blunder

Helmut Marko has branded Sergio Perez’s Mexico City Grand Prix grid error as “incomprehensible” for a driver of his experience.

After qualifying just 18th for his home grand prix, Perez parked too far forward in his grid-box, and was promptly hit with a five-second penalty by the stewards. 

Perez had protested that his start was good before the true reason filtered through as he went onto finish 17th and last after sustaining damage in contact with Liam Lawson, that left his car unable to “do anything,” in Marko’s words.

Reflecting on the under-pressure six-time grand prix winner, Red Bull motorsport advisor Marko did not hold back.

“Sergio Perez had a bad weekend in Mexico. We know that qualifying is not his strong point, but being eliminated in the first qualifying segment is very disappointing,” Marko wrote in his Speedweek column. 

“The fact that a man with his experience would then position the car incorrectly in the starting box is incomprehensible and a real shame. Because his start was sensational, but Checo received a five-second penalty for the starting offence. 

“This was followed by a duel with Liam Lawson, in which both drivers were too impetuous. Liam even gave his opponent the finger; he later apologized for this, and we accepted that. 

“Unfortunately, this duel resulted in considerable damage to Perez’s car; with significantly reduced downforce, Sergio’s car was no longer fast enough to do anything.”