- Sergio Perez was involved in a crash on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix
- The Mexican’s car was written off after a collision with Haas’ Nico Hülkenberg
- Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed the staggering costs of Perez’s crash
Sergio Perez’s shocking crash on the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix cost Red Bull between $2 and $3 million.
The Mexican, who started 16th, was tagged after the first corner by Haas’ Kevin Magnussen as he rode uphill. The Dane’s left front hit Perez’s right rear, sending the latter into the barriers in a massive 260 km/h crash.
Perez bounced off the wall and crashed into the other Haas of Nico Hulkenberg, as his Red Bull became a pinball before finally coming to a stop on the circuit.
His car was written off with only one wheel left, although the power of today’s cars was clearly evident as he thankfully walked away without injury.
And speaking after what was a difficult day for Red Bull – with Max Verstappen only in sixth place – Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko lashed out at Magnussen and detailed the costs of the crash.
Sergio Perez’s crash at the Monaco Grand Prix cost Red Bull between $2 and 3 million (£1.6-2.4 million)
Perez’s car was written off after the huge impact on the first lap, but fortunately he was unhurt
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explained the enormous costs and hit out at Kevin Magnussen
“Am I surprised that Magnussen was not penalized?” he told Sky Germany. ‘I’m actually surprised at how quickly the stewards managed to put the incident behind them.
‘But first of all it was very dangerous. And secondly, the damage to the RB20 amounts to two to three million. This is a major handicap for us with the budget ceiling.’
Perez’s crash was extremely harrowing and a new angle has shown how dangerous it could have been.
One video shared by the official F1 account showed debris flying through the air as photographers were forced to take cover along the track.
Another clip showed more photographers ducking as pieces of the car and smoke blew into the air as Perez’s car crashed into the barriers where they were stationed.
One fan shared that video and pointed out the dangers of the crash: “This could have ended very badly.
‘Not only for the drivers, but also for the marshals and photographers. At the same time, it is confirmation that racing/overtaking in Monaco is extremely dangerous.
‘Luckily everything is okay. Homework for the FOM/FIA: major changes needed for the Monaco GP.’
After the incident, Perez, who was fortunately unhurt, confronted Magnussen and accused him of ‘dangerous driving’.
He said: ‘This was more dangerous driving, just to keep it clear, knowing there would be contact at some point.
A new, extraordinary angle showed photographers taking cover along the track as Perez crashed
Another clip showed more photographers ducking as debris and smoke blew through the air
The harrowing clip showed how serious Perez’s crash could have been
The Mexican was furious after leaving the race so early and criticized Magnussen’s (R) behavior.
‘I think that was dangerous driving. We have to ask for a reason why it wasn’t investigated because without investigation we won’t get a reason why it wasn’t a fine. I’m really surprised.’
Magnussen, who currently has ten penalty points, two short of a race ban, thought Perez should have left him room.
However, Perez responded: “Sometimes you’re in a position and you have to make a decision very quickly to say, ‘There’s only one way and that’s contact, so I better get back with it.’ But he goes for the contact.’
Magnussen’s teammate Hulkenberg, who also retired after the collision, said the crash was ‘unnecessary’.