Sergio Perez’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix came to a bitter end as a last-lap collision with Carlos Sainz dashed his hopes of a podium finish. Perez, known for his prowess at Baku, was in contention for a top-three finish but ended his race in frustration and disappointment after the incident.
Perez, who had secured a strong third place for most of the race, attempted a late move on Charles Leclerc for second position. The failed maneuver allowed Sainz to close in rapidly on the Mexican as they exited Turn 2. In the chaotic final moments, both drivers made contact, sending them crashing out of the race and leaving Perez empty-handed.
Speaking after the race, Perez expressed his frustration, admitting the collision happened too fast to avoid. “Super frustrated that we both ended our weekends like that for our teams,” said Perez. “There was a metre between the cars exiting Turn 2, and then we made contact within seconds. I understand what Carlos was trying to do with Charles’ tow, but I was there, and it all happened so quickly.”
While Perez attempted to remain diplomatic, the view from Red Bull’s side was less forgiving. Team Principal Christian Horner was quick to point the blame at Sainz, calling the collision a costly blow to the team’s Constructors’ Championship bid. “It was very disappointing; Checo deserved a podium today,” Horner told Sky Sports F1. “You can clearly see Carlos drifting across the circuit. It cost us significant damage and crucial points in the constructors’ championship.”
Perez was positioned to collect at least 12 points, and potentially 15 for third place, but the crash left Red Bull with only 10 points from Max Verstappen’s fifth-place finish. In stark contrast, McLaren made huge gains in the championship standings, with Oscar Piastri securing victory and Lando Norris taking the fastest lap and fourth place, bringing home 38 points for the Woking-based team.
As a result, McLaren now leads Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings by 20 points, with the total tally at 476 to 456. With only seven races remaining, Red Bull’s grip on the title is slipping, and Perez’s crash with Sainz has delivered a potentially pivotal blow to their championship aspirations.
For Perez, who rediscovered his form at a circuit where he’s had past success, the incident was a bitter end to what could have been a weekend of redemption. As for Red Bull, the team faces an uphill battle to recover lost ground in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships as the season nears its final stretch.
