Pérez slams stewards as ‘a joke’ in team radio, then promptly apologizes.

After Red Bull’s Pérez collided with McLaren’s Norris in the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, resulting in a five-second penalty that cost Pérez a podium finish, the driver lashed out at the stewards in his team radio, calling their decision a joke. However, his comments were quickly met with backlash as the team radio transmission was broadcast to the public. Pérez subsequently apologized to the FIA, stating, “I respect them.”

Pérez didn’t think the incident with Norris was his fault and believed he shouldn’t have been penalized. Over the team radio, he exclaimed, “The stewards are a joke! I can’t believe it! They’ve been terrible this year! It’s a joke, honestly a joke. I don’t know what the stewards are doing.”

Later, Pérez apologized for his words, acknowledging, “This sport brings out the best in all of us and our passion. Tonight, after losing the podium, I spoke with emotions running high and adrenaline pumping. It’s tough for us when everything on the team radio is live, not something most sports have. But I have even more respect for the stewards, we all have jobs to do, and I respect the job they have to do under pressure.”

While Pérez’s apology might not have seemed heartfelt, he seemed to blame the broadcast of the team radio for the situation. Nevertheless, the stewards’ decision was justified, and it’s crucial for the Mexican driver to maintain a professional attitude to avoid jeopardizing his standing within the paddock.