Sergio Pérez had a difficult start this Sunday at the 2022 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, starting from 13th position. The Mexican dropped a couple of places in the opening laps, but when it seemed his pace was starting to pick up, he had to pit after just seven laps, returning to the track in last position.
But the most striking thing was that, after his pit stop, fire and a small column of smoke could be seen coming from his right front brake; Pérez himself said on the radio that he saw the flames. Fortunately, the situation did not escalate and the rider from Guadalajara was able to continue to come back to sixth position, with the fastest lap record included.
After the race, Christian Horner , director of Red Bull Racing, explained the reason why Pérez was forced to pit earlier than expected and the problem he had with the brakes of his RB18.
“We had to call it in so soon because it did a huge blockage and there were vibration levels that could be safety critical so we had to stop. Then it had some debris in one of the (brake) ducts and you could see the fire that was created out of that,” Horner said.
Sergio Pérez, Red Bull Racing RB18, with brake smoke
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
The head of the Milton Keynes team assessed the result of the Mexican this Sunday in Monza after starting 13th due to a penalty for changes in his power unit and falling to last position after his early pit stop.
“His recovery from it was great. We had to stop again to get on the soft and obviously the safety car came out, but it was a good comeback from him, he also set the fastest lap of the race. It scored important points for him and for the team,” he commented.
Horner was also very happy after seeing Max Verstappen take his fifth consecutive victory, although he does not want to celebrate early in the championship.
“I think the whole team this year has been at a very high level and this weekend I think we had the fastest car, we compromised qualifying a bit to have a better car today and that has paid off.”
“Max’s pace to come back so quickly was motivating and Checo was able to do it after that early block as well. We had a great pace today. We have more challenges ahead of us in Singapore and so on, but the championship is looking good. finished yet,” he concluded.
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