F1 News: Video Emerges of Sergio Perez Giving Haas the Finger As He Overtakes In Annoyance

A number of factors could have caused a frustrated Perez to show Haas's Nico Hulkenberg the finger during the Austrian GP

There could be several reasons adding to Sergio Perez's frustration that led him to display vulgar behaviour on the track at the Austrian Grand Prix. Perez caught up with former teammate Nico Hulkenberg after starting from fifteenth position. During the overtake, the Mexican racer raised his right-hand middle finger at Nico.

Clearly, something has been up with Perez. Of course, the unprofessional offensive behaviour is unacceptable to justify any amount of frustration, and fans too, were left bewildered by his act.

One of the reasons we think is the repeated comparison coming up between Perez and Verstappen, who leads the former by over 80 points. Adding oil to this fire was Perez's fallback during last weekend's Austrian GP where penalties ensured he started the race from the 15th place. 

Not only that, this was Perez's fourth race where he couldn't make it to Q3 in a car that is currently the fastest on the grid. Nico on the other hand, who has been making impressive progress, made it to Q3 and started the race in eighth position. Unfortunately, an engine blow-up after Lap 14 saw him retire from the race. It was during the last few laps of Nico when Perez passed by him while displaying the finger.

Nico overtook Perez in the sprint race for P2 but only for a short while before Perez passed him again. He then went on to secure a podium finish in third place. However, Nico has had more appearances than Perez in Q3. 

Lastly, the fact that Fernando Alonso trails Sergio Perez by just 13 points in the championship standings has made the situation hotter for Perez, unlike the comfort zone his teammate Verstappen currently enjoys.  One small mistake could cause Perez to lose second place in the championship standings

Fans voiced their opinion on Twitter about Perez's on-track antics.  

Dude is in a Newey designed rocketship , that car is miles faster than everyone and is carrying a beef with Haas who can’t keep tyres alive for more than 327 meters.

😭😭😭 https://t.co/XE6M6wTNHA

— V F1 (@swiftsambi) July 4, 2023

One fan posted about Perez's replacement with Ricciardo.

He wont be doing that for long since a certain aussie will take his spot after the summer break pic.twitter.com/Z7cegyM0d1

— Pill Collins 💊 (@jointdivision) July 4, 2023

Someone wonders, just like us. 

Why did he do that?

— Namal Thalha🔻 (@NamalTH44) July 4, 2023

Another fan drops a truth bomb.

Is that because they’ve seen Q3 more than he has

— LesLaw⁴⁴ (@LezzzLaw) July 4, 2023