News
Stewards take no further action over Ocon-Perez FP1 clash that triggered red flags in Imola
Share
Alpine’s Esteban Ocon and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez will face no further action over their on-track collision during Free Practice 1 at Imola, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix stewards have announced.
Perez’s Red Bull RB16B was shown slewing to a halt at the exit of the Villeneuve chicane at Imola with its left-rear tyre punctured, while Ocon subsequently pulled his Alpine A521 up at the side of the track as a result of the incident, bringing out a red flag as both cars were recovered to the pits.
FP1: Perez-Ocon collision brings out the red flags as Bottas goes quickest in Imola first practice
But following a hearing with the drivers immediately after the session, the stewards announced neither would face any further action - with the fact that technical issues throughout FP1 meant communications between drivers and their teams was limited a mitigating factor.
In their ruling the stewards said: "Ocon slowed before Turn 5 in order to let Perez by, as well as moving entirely to the inside of the turn. Perez was on a fast lap. The two cars reached the apex at the same time, and just barely touched wheels.
"In the end, both drivers agreed in the hearing that it was an unfortunate miscommunication of timing between them, not helped by the fact that both drivers had limited or no communications with their teams at the time. Both drivers agreed that neither was at fault."
The incident happened with around 20 minutes from the end of the session, and with no more running for either driver, Perez ended up 16th fastest, with Ocon one place behind on the time sheets.
2021 Emila Romagna GP FP1: Red flags as Perez and Ocon stop after unseen collision
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Feature IN NUMBERS: How Verstappen’s team mates fared against him with Tsunoda the latest to step up
Podcast BEYOND THE GRID: Pierre Gasly on trusting the Alpine process, his ambitious victory target and life outside F1
News Tsunoda to replace Lawson at Red Bull from Japanese GP as New Zealander drops down to Racing Bulls
Video LIVESTREAM: Watch all the action from Round 10 of the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship as the drivers tackle Interlagos
