Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will start today’s Australian Grand Prix from the pit lane, after opting to switch cars under parc ferme regulations.
Perez failed to set a time in qualifying after stranding his car in the gravel trap at Turn 3, something that initially appeared to be driver error but which team principal Christian Horner later revealed could have been caused by an engine brake problem.
READ MORE: Disappointed, Perez confident Red Bull can resolve ‘technical problem’ after finishing Albert Park qualifying on gravel
It had been cleared to race despite failing to set a time within 107% per the regulations, but with it lining up 20th, Red Bull opted to outfit its RB19 with a host of new PU components, including a new stock. power and control electronics. unit.
That means you’ll have those components in your parts pool for the rest of the season, but you have to start today’s race from pit lane. Next to him will be Valtteri Bottas. The Finn qualified 19th, but Alfa Romeo later submitted a written request to change his suspension settings.
This was awarded by the FIA, but still requires you to start from pit lane. His teammate Zhou Guanyu and Williams’ Logan Sagreant will now share what becomes the back row of the grid in 17th and 18th places, while Perez’s teammate Max Verstappen lines up on pole .
Qualifying Highlights: Australian Grand Prix 2023
