The Austin GP has become a centre for controversy in the 2023 Formula 1 season. Track limits have been the talk of the town for the last two years, especially in Austria. However, the tricky turn 6 of the Austin GP could spell disaster for quite a few drivers. Onboard footage reveals several drivers, including Sergio Perez, go off the track several times at turn 6. Haas have now requested a right to review the results. This will not just harm Sergio Perez’s results in the Grand Prix, it could also change the battle for P7 in the constructors, jeopardizing Williams.
What Caused This?
Since the start of 2022, Formula 1 has taken track limits very seriously. They have been hard on the offenses and the subsequent penalties applied. However, at the Austin GP, there was a lack of CCTV angles at turn 6. This meant that the FIA and Formula 1 couldn’t police the drivers as well as they wanted.
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The Violations
Onboard footage from Sergio Perez at the Austin GP revealed that the Mexican had cut Turn 6 multiple times. Alex Albon and Lance Stroll were the other serial offenders. Notably, Alex Albon finished 9th in the race, giving 2 crucial points to Williams.
If the evidence submitted by Haas is true, it could mean disaster for both Sergio Perez and Williams.
- Sergio Perez would get eighteen 5-second penalties.
- Alex Albon would get fifteen 5-second penalties.
- Lance Stroll would get sixteen 5-second penalties.
- Logan Sargeant would get three 5-second penalties.
The Ramifications
If all these penalties were to be applied, Sergio Perez would drop to 10th place in the Austin GP. Considering he finished 4th after the penalty to Lewis Hamilton, he would lose 11 points. This would bring Hamilton much closer in their battle for second in the drivers’ championship.
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Williams would end up losing one point, and all of Haas, Alpha Tauri, and Alfa Romeo, would gain 4 points each. This will close up the battle for P7 in the constructors’ championship.
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