Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will both start today’s Australian Grand Prix from the pit lane after opting to switch their cars under the parc firm regulations.
Pérez failed to set a qualifying time after drifting his car into the gravel trap at Turn 3, which initially appeared to be driver error, but team principal Christian Horner later revealed that it may have been caused by an engine braking problem.
Also Read: Perez disappointed in hope Red Bull can resolve ‘technical issue’ after qualifying at Albert Park Jallikattu
Despite not setting a time within 107% of the regulations, he was allowed to race, but as he finished 20th, Red Bull opted to fit its RB19 with new PU components, including a new power store and control electronics. unit.
That means he will have those elements for the remainder of the season, but will have to start today’s race from the pit lane. He will be joined by Valtteri Bottas. The Finn finished 19th, but a written request was later submitted by Alfa Romeo to change his suspension setup.
This was granted by the FIA, but he still had to start from the pit lane. His teammate Zhou Guanyu and Williams’ Logan Sagreant will now share the back row of stages 17 and 18, while Perez’s teammate Max Verstappen will line up on pole.
Qualifying Highlights: 2023 Australian Grand Prix
