Belgian Grand Prix – Racing Point’s Sergio Perez will run the remainder of the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps with a previously used Spec 2 Mercedes engine.
Sergio Perez will race this weekend with a previously used Spec 2 engine after a late power unit problem in FP2 saw him stop at the side of the track.
Driving through Rivage, Perez slowed down and pulled over with smoke and small licks of flame coming out of the rear of his Racing Point. Climbing out to examine the car, the Mexican driver explained afterwards he could see oil coming out of his exhaust and wasn’t confident that the power unit had survived the problem. The engine had been fitted just on Friday morning, being a fresh Specification 3 updated unit from Mercedes.
That power unit has been sent back to Mercedes for examination, meaning Perez has been fitted out with a previously used Specification 2 engine for the remainder of the weekend. As this is from his existing pool of engines, he will not take a penalty. Teammate Lance Stroll does take a grid penalty for fitting a new engine, as he had already reached his allowance for the season.
Engine penalties for six other drivers so far this weekend.
Racing Point have explained that the new engine suffered an oil pressure drop, resulting in the engine kill, but there is yet to be an official diagnosis about what caused the issue for the new unit.
The Racing Point driver finished the session in P5, having enjoyed the feel of his car with the latest updates fitted out and, aside from the engine problem, had a great Friday. He has been confirmed as staying with the team until the end of 2022 with a new three year deal formally announced shortly after the session ended.
