British Grand Prix – Racing Point’s Sergio Perez says his brake balance was out of optimal position when he hit Nico Hulkenberg.
The Racing Point driver had started the race from P15 after another tricky qualifying session for the team. Pitting at the end of Lap 18, the timing of the Safety Car couldn’t have been much worse for the Mexican driver as he lost more time to the drivers around him as they pitted under the slower conditions of the Safety Car.
Resuming after the Safety Car, Perez then tried to dive up the inside of Hulkenberg into Brooklands but seemed to misjudge the manoeuvre and he hit the left rear of the Renault. Both were forced off the track, with Hulkenberg surviving the impact and going on to take the final points position.
Perez, suffering front wing damage, was forced to pit for repairs and dropped down the order. He trailed home P17 having made three stops in total, including a short six lap stint on the Hards immediately after the impact.
“We were very unlucky today.” said a disconsolate Perez afterwards. “The first stint was very strong – I was managing my race, looking after the tyres and we were on course to score some points. Then, the safety car came out just after I had pitted and that’s what ruined my race.”
Perez then explained that he had issues with his brake balance that caught him out with Hulkenberg: “During the safety car period I also had an issue with my steering wheel, which affected the brake balance and meant it was too far forward. That’s why I ended up hitting Hulkenberg because I couldn’t stop the car enough; I damaged my front wing and dropped down to last. I cannot believe the tough luck we had today. It’s so disappointing because we deserved a big result in our home race and we had the speed in the car to score points.”
