Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko revealed that the team has instructed its drivers not to attempt outside maneuvers in turn 4 and criticized Sergio Pérez after the Austrian GP
Sergio Pérez missed the chance to gain important points in the Austrian GP after being involved in a collision with George Russell on the first lap. The Mexican tried to overtake from the outside at turn 4, but was touched by the Mercedes and ended up in the gravel box.
His Red Bull had serious damage to its floor, and the Mexican driver abandoned the race on lap 25. Helmut Marko, consultant to the Taurinos, revealed that the team instructed its drivers not to attempt this maneuver before the race, and criticized Checo's attitude.
"We warned before the race: don't go on the outside at this corner. It's not something possible. That was unnecessary. We have seen that before. It doesn't work. After that, the car was damaged and there was no point in continuing. The floor was badly damaged. He would probably finish two laps behind, so it didn't make sense. It was better to save the mileage," said the Austrian after the race.
The touch generated complaints from a frustrated Russell, who also had damage and ended up being punished with five seconds for the accident. Pérez, meanwhile, said he did his best to avoid the incident, which was very reminiscent of a touch by Lewis Hamilton on Alexander Albon at the 2020 Austrian GP.
"I don't think Mercedes likes it when our cars try to maneuver on the outside at turn 4. It was a shame, because the Czech was in front of Russell. It's almost a perfect imitation of the incident with Lewis and Albon a few years ago. It was a shame we didn't have more space," Marko lamented.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner also spoke out about what happened and lamented a great opportunity for another podium wasted. "Ferrari had a faster car in the race today. They could conserve their tires more than we could, but I think the Czech would certainly have been on the podium," said the British manager.