Sergio Pérez believes that the heavy accident at the start of the British GP helped to remind drivers of the risks they take in Formula One and hopes that it creates more safety for everyone in the sport
Carlos Sainz took his first victory in Formula 1 at the British GP last Sunday (3), but the race was marked by a strong accident at the start. Guanyu Zhou flipped over and his Alfa Romeo slid for several meters upside down until it stopped on top of the tire barrier. Besides the Chinese driver, Alexander Albon was also taken to the medical center and then to a hospital to be evaluated after being involved in the incident.
For Sergio Pérez, who made a great recovery race and finished second at Silverstone, the accident is a reminder of the risks that drivers take every time they go out on the track. The Mexican believes that because they are the stars of the show and constantly subject themselves to danger, drivers should not have their salaries included in the Formula One spending ceiling.
"When you hear people talking about putting a ceiling on drivers' salaries, we are the ones who take all the risks on the track and make the show. So I don't think it's a good thing to talk about that in the sport from now on. But the most important thing today is that nobody got hurt," Pérez said after the British GP.
The accident caused a red flag and generated apprehension in the paddock and in the public regarding Zhou's health condition. All the drivers were released uninjured, which shows the evolution in the safety of the category. But the breakage of the Alfa Romeo's St. Anthony generated concern and the FIA has already announced that it will open an investigation into the case. Pérez hopes that the accident will be reviewed to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the sport.
"I knew an accident had happened, but I only saw it when I was back in the garage and I was looking at the TV and they showed the accident, I was shocked. It's been a while since we've seen an accident like that. It's hard to see it and try to erase it from your mind and focus on what you have to do," said the Mexican.
"Congratulations to the FIA because we have come a long way. I'm sure there are still good improvements and always good lessons to make sure we learn from what happened today, review the accident, to make sure there are things we can improve. I don't know if there were photographers around that were at risk. So we need to take a look and see if we are able to make the sport safer for everyone," concluded Czech.
Pérez returns to the track next Sunday (10), when Formula 1 returns for the Austrian Grand Prix, with full coverage by GRAND PRIX.
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