- Sergio Pérez suffered a fall in the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix
- The Mexican’s car was written off after colliding with Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg
- Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed the staggering cost of Pérez’s accident
Sergio Perez’s shocking crash on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix cost Red Bull between $2 million and $3 million (£1.6 million to £2.4 million).
The Mexican, who started in 16th place, was touched by Haas’ Kevin Magnussen when going uphill after the first corner. The Dane’s left front hit Perez’s right rear, sending him into the barriers in a massive 160mph crash.
Perez bounced off the wall and crashed into Nico Hulkenberg’s other Haas, as his Red Bull turned into a pinball before finally coming to a stop on the circuit.
His car was written off with only one wheel attached, although the resistance of today’s cars was demonstrated and, fortunately, he emerged unscathed.
And, speaking after what was a difficult day for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen in sixth, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko attacked Magnussen and spoke about the cost of the accident.
Sergio Perez’s crash at the Monaco Grand Prix cost Red Bull between $2 million and $3 million (£1.6 million to £2.4 million)
Pérez’s car was knocked out after the big impact on the first lap, but fortunately he emerged unscathed.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explained the huge cost and criticized Kevin Magnussen
“Am I surprised that Magnussen has not been sanctioned?” he told Sky Germany. “I’m really surprised at how quickly the stewards managed to put the incident behind them.
‘But first of all, it was very dangerous. And secondly, the damage to the RB20 is two or three million. This is a big hurdle for us with the budget cap.’
Perez’s accident was extremely heartbreaking and a new angle has shown how dangerous it could have been.
A video shared by the official F1 account showed debris flying through the air as photographers were forced to take cover on the track.
Another clip showed more photographers ducking as pieces of the car and smoke hung in the air as Perez’s car crashed into the barriers where they were parked.
One fan shared that video and pointed out the dangers of the accident when he said, “This could have ended very badly.”
‘Not only for the drivers but also for the marshals and photographers. At the same time, it is a confirmation that racing/overtaking in Monaco is extremely dangerous.
‘Fortunately, everyone is fine. Duties for FOM/FIA: big changes needed for Monaco GP.’
Speaking after the incident, Perez, who was fortunately uninjured, lashed out at Magnussen and accused him of “dangerous driving”.
He said: “This was more dangerous driving, just to stay calm knowing there was going to be contact at some point.”
An extraordinary new angle showed photographers on the track taking cover as Perez crashed.
Another clip showed more photographers ducking as debris and smoke flew through the air.
The heartbreaking clip showed how serious Perez’s accident could have been.
The Mexican was furious for abandoning the race so soon and criticized the behavior of Magnussen (R)
‘I think it was dangerous driving. We need to ask for a reason why it hasn’t been investigated because without an investigation we don’t get a reason why it wasn’t a penalty. I’m really surprised.’
Magnussen, who currently has 10 penalty points, two short of a race ban, felt Perez should have made room for him.
Perez, however, responded: “Sometimes you find yourself in a position and you have to make a very quick decision to say, ‘There’s only one way to do it and it’s going to be contact, so I’d better back off.'” But he’ll go. for contact.’
Magnussen’s teammate Hulkenberg, who also retired after the collision, said the crash was “unnecessary.”
