Christian Horner: “This is very disappointing!” / Formula 1

Sergio “Checo” Pérez was well on his way to a podium finish in Baku when a crash with Carlos Sainz on the penultimate lap of the race dashed all of the Formula 1 veteran's hopes of scoring good points. Team boss Christian Horner reacted accordingly disappointed.

The Briton, whose team had to hand over the lead in the constructors' championship to McLaren, said of the accident: “Checo deserved so much more, Carlos just drifted across the track.” That is very disappointing because Checo should have achieved at least a podium finish. The accident ruined his race, it caused a lot of damage to the car and cost us many important points in the fight for the World Championship.”

Asked if Pérez would have been able to move further up if the crash hadn't happened, Horner explained: “It's difficult to say. Unfortunately he lost some time on his out laps and Lando also lost quite a lot of time on him.” Oscar was given the opportunity to stay up front. Without that, he would have won the race today. It's obviously heartbreaking for the team when you lose a podium place in the final laps of the race.”

Horner also had an explanation for the fact that Pérez was significantly faster than his teammate Max Verstappen, who finished fifth, before the crash: “He found a good rhythm and also a strong car setup.” Checo's car was correspondingly fast. And we tried a few things with Max that didn't work so well. He ruined his tires during his long battle. That is obviously frustrating.”

And the team boss said of the battle for the World Championship: “McLaren still needs to complete a few more laps of the race.” And we had an excellent race today, the battle between the leaders lasted for so many laps. It is all the more disappointing that it ended like this, which really wasn't necessary.”

Azerbaijan GP, ​​Baku City Circuit

01. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, 1:32.58.007 h
02. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +10.910 sec.
03. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +31.328
04. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +36.143
05. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, +1:17.098 min
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +1:25.468
07. Alex Albon (T), Williams, +1 lap, +1:27.396
08. Franco Colapinto (RA), Williams, +1:29.541
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +1:32.401
10. Oliver Bearman (GB), Haas, +1:33.127
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1:33.465
12. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1:57.189
13. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bulls, +2:26.907
14. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Clean, +2:28.841
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 lap
16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, +1 lap
Out of
Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, crash
Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, accident
Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, brakes
Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, Crash

World Championship standings (after 17 of 24 Grands Prix and 3 of 6 sprints)