MONACO – Red Bull denied Sergio Perez a chance to race for the win in Spain by issuing team orders that left the veteran Formula One driver unsettled.
Assured he would be allowed to chase checkered flags this year – even with his teammate none other than Max Verstappen, the reigning series champion – Perez moved on with the disappointing decision in his figurative rearview mirror.
He left it even further behind Sunday, rebounding to win the rain-marred Monaco Grand Prix.
The third win of the 32-year-old Mexican driver’s career came after a questionable strategy call by Ferrari that cost Charles Leclerc a win on his home circuit after starting in pole position. Although Leclerc finished the Monaco GP for the first time in four tries, his fourth-place finish allowed Verstappen to extend his lead in the points standings.
Carlos Sainz Jr. finished second for Ferrari and Verstappen was third, but Ferrari protested both Perez’s win and Verstappen’s finish, alleging the Red Bull drivers failed to stay to the right of the yellow line while exiting the pits after their stops. FIA race stewards dismissed both Ferrari protests.