Qualifying is over but the starting grid wasn’t set in stone yet, as a driver was just awarded a three places starting grid penalty following an incident during the earlier Q1.
In a session featuring multiple drivers with lap times deleted due to track limits, and after some Formula 3 and Formula 2 races which had kept the stewards very busy as well, two investigations were launched but only one will have an actual impact on the grid.
In the early stages of the first Qualifying segment Red Bull’s Sergio Perez had a moment with Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg, as the Mexican driver found himself in the racing line of the German, who was on a fast lap attempt.
The former Racing Point driver was thus investigated for impeding, with the instance to be investigated after the end of the session. Summoned by the stewards at the local time of 18, Perez was found at fault for the situation, and received a three places grid penalty for the Australian GP.
In the FIA document officialising the grid drop the stewards explained the reasoning behind their decision:
“Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13. Perez, who was on an out lap was at the apex of the turn and Hulkenberg had to leave the racing line to drive around him.
Hulkenberg was forced to lift the throttle early and brake early for that corner.
“In reviewing the audio from Perez’ car, the Stewards observed that the team was focused on the car in front of Perez that had just slowed, and did not give Perez a warning that Hulkenberg was behind him until one second before Hulkenberg arrived, and significantly too late to avoid impeding Hulkenberg.
“While the Stewards appreciate the dynamic situation facing the team and driver during the Q1 session, which was described in the hearing, the Stewards find that Perez “Unnecessarily Impeded” Hulkenberg and issue a three grid place drop, consistent with previous cases.”
The new starting grid for the race will see the same front row featuring pole sitter Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz, with Lando Norris being moved up to P3 and lining up with Charles Leclerc in P4. The Red Bull driver will start from P6, beside Oscar Piastri in P5.
Pierre Gasly received a reprimand for crossing the pit exit line too soon during Q1. Carlos Sainz also picked up a reprimand for failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions regarding practice starts at the end of FP3.
