In yet another electrifying weekend of Formula 1 racing, the world watched Max Verstappen confidently take another victory of the 2023 season, this time at the Red Bull Ring. With this triumph, Verstappen further extended his lead in the driver's championship to a staggering 81 points ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.
Unfazed by the competition, Verstappen made a bold move, surrendering his commanding 23.7-second lead to Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. As Verstappen pitted for new soft tyres, he managed to snatch away the fastest lap of the race and secure an extra championship point as the cherry on top.
Thrilling race overshadowed by late penalties
The Austrian Grand Prix treated fans to a thrilling and action-packed race, while the Race Control remained busy, dealing with penalties throughout and after the event.
Track limits have long been a contentious issue in Formula 1, and the rules have undergone multiple revisions, culminating in the current understanding that drivers must keep all four wheels within the white lines. However, implementing this rule is easier said than done, especially at certain circuits like the Red Bull Ring.
The nature of the track often tempts drivers to run off at Turns 1, 9, and 10 without even realizing it. Last weekend's race saw a staggering 83 laps deleted due to track limit violations, nearly double the number from the previous year's Austrian GP.
In an effort to improve efficiency, the FIA had set up a remote race control team in Geneva. However, at Spielberg, they found themselves still playing catch-up, handing out a total of 12 penalties after the race to eight drivers. Seven drivers, including the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz, and Yuki Tsunoda, had already received penalties during the 71 race laps.
This penalty chaos meant the final race classifications were revisited. Promoting Lando Norris to 4th and demoting the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly.
Fortunately, the penalty frenzy did not affect the podium positions, with Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez maintaining their well-deserved spots.
Is Sergio Perez under pressure to keep his seat?
Red Bull's dominance this season is no secret, but their driver number 11, Sergio Perez, seems to be going through a rough patch, struggling to match the pace of his star teammate Max Verstappen. Once again, the Mexico native found himself qualifying out of position, getting knocked out of Q2 for the fourth consecutive time, while Verstappen claimed pole position.
With a replacement of Daniel Ricciardo’s calibre waiting on the sidelines, Perez’s seat for 2024 could be in jeopardy despite Red Bull management expressing their unwavering support for the driver. After all, Red Bull is no stranger to replacing drivers with valid contracts and fans would undoubtedly welcome Ricciardo's return with open arms.
Let’s not forget, however, that at the beginning of the season, Sergio Perez was a contender for the championship, bringing the fight to his Dutch teammate and has been the only driver to somewhat keep up with Max Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo’s infamous Red Bull departure. The remainder of the 2023 season will undoubtedly be a crucial one for Perez as he strives to regain his momentum and prove his worth alongside Verstappen.
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