Why did Sergio Perez return to the track after his retirement?

The image surprised many. Sergio Perez returning to the track in the middle of the Grand Prix, after around thirty minutes in the pits. Before returning to his garage shortly after. If this type of action is allowed by the regulations, Red Bull didn’t do it just for fun.

The Japanese Grand Prix of the Mexican driver was eventful as it caused several contacts with other drivers. First with Lewis Hamilton at the start. The collision broke his front wing. Taking advantage of the safety car to change it, he then overtook two competitors, which is prohibited. Although he gave back the positions, the stewards decided to penalize him with a five-second penalty and two points on his Super Licence.

At the back of the pack, he then wanted to climb up the hierarchy. But with too much eagerness. At the hairpin, he collided with Kevin Magnussen, sending the Haas spinning. The collision once again damaged the Red Bull, enough for Sergio Perez to retire.

Strategic decision

But at the same time, the stewards imposed a second penalty of five seconds and two additional points on his Super Licence. Despite being withdrawn from the race, one could think that his penalties could not be applied. In reality, they could. Not in Japan, but in Qatar.

« If one of the penalties is imposed on a driver and the driver is unable to serve the penalty due to retiring during the sprint or the race, the sporting stewards may impose a grid penalty on the driver for the next race », explains Article 54.3 of the FIA Sporting Regulations.

The Suspension Grand Prix is approaching

So to avoid this situation, Red Bull repaired their driver’s car to get him back on track so he could serve his penalty seconds. He then returned to the pits to throw in the towel for good.

Following these two incidents, Sergio Perez has accumulated seven penalty points on his Super License out of a total of twelve. If he were to reach the maximum, he would be suspended for one Grand Prix.