F1 News: Sergio Perez Confirmed To Start Qatar GP From Pit Lane

Sergio Perez will start the Qatar Grand Prix from the pit lane.

Sergio Perez will be starting the Qatar Grand Prix from the pit lane.

During the Saturday Sprint Race, Perez experienced an intense collision with Esteban Ocon and Nico Hulkenberg, resulting in substantial damage to his vehicle and prompting a change to the team's backup chassis. 

Following a thorough examination, the FIA concluded that Red Bull had prematurely put together their spare chassis, thereby violating F1 rules and effectively utilising what is considered a third car.

This situation echoes a previous issue, similar to the one encountered by Logan Sargeant in the Japanese Grand Prix, however, Sargeant had to start the race in Suzuka as well as a time penalty but Perez has only been given the punishment of a pit lane start. 

The official letter from The Stewards states:

"The following Power Unit elements have been used:

"5th Internal Combustion Engine, 5th Turbo Charger, 5th Motor Generator Unit (Heat), 5th Motor Generator Unit (Kinetic), 4th Control Electronics.

"All Power Unity elements were replaced without the approval of the FIA Technical Delegrate during Parc Ferme. 

"Decision: Required to start the Race from the pit lane."

Perez's teammate Max Verstappen won his third championship title during the Qatar GP Sprint Race yesterday with his second position finish behind rookie Oscar Piastri who claimed his first Formula One sprint win. 

F1 News: Sergio Perez Predicts "Interesting" Qatar GP With Tumultuous Conditions

The Mexican driver now has six races to go of the 2023 season to solidify his second-place finish in the Drivers' Standings. Twenty-nine points currently separate Perez and Lewis Hamilton in third position and with the latter starting the Qatar GP from third position, this gap is likely to close further this weekend.