Brazil: 5-place penalty for Pérez on the starting grid
After his accident in Q2 yesterday during the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, Sergio Pérez's mechanics had to replace the gearbox of his McLaren. The regulations stipulate a 5-place penalty for a gearbox change, so Pérez will start 19th for his last Grand Prix with the Woking team.
Sergio Pérez violently went off track – after losing control of his car at turn 5 – on Saturday afternoon during the second part of qualifying, causing significant damage to his McLaren.
The team was able to repair the MP4-28 in time for the race that will take place in a few hours, but the gearbox had to be changed. Therefore, the Mexican driver receives a 5-place penalty on the starting grid in Brazil, as stipulated by the regulations when a gearbox change occurs before the limit of the 5 regulatory Grand Prix.
Qualified 14th despite his accident at the end of Q2, Pérez will therefore finally start from the 19th position on the starting grid.
This penalty benefits Button, Sutil, Maldonado, Gutiérrez, and Pic, who all gain a position on the grid.
