Motorsports

Sergio “Checo” Pérez, Red Bull Racing driver, faced a challenging weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, where a spin ended his race early, marking his fourth retirement in the 2024 season. A PROMISING START Pérez started within the top ten and climbed to seventh place after a strong opening. During the second safety car, he pitted for a tire change, rejoining with potential to secure important points. However, changing conditions and an unexpected incident altered his outcome.     The Mexican driver explained that upon restarting, his hard tires failed to reach the optimal temperature, further complicated by an engine overload. This led to a spin in the middle of the track. “I lost momentum, I simply couldn’t control the car,” Pérez stated about the unfortunate moment. INVESTIGATION WITH NO PENALTIES After the incident, the stewards reviewed the case, initially labeling it as “dangerous driving.” However, the final verdict attributed the situation to a clutch failure, ruling out any deliberate actions by the driver. The official report stated: “The driver’s attempt to recover the car was viable under normal conditions, but the mechanical failure caused the incident.” This decision spared the Mexican driver from further penalties. A WEEKEND OF LEARNING Despite the retirement, Red Bull Racing turned this setback into an opportunity for improvement. Adjustments made to Pérez’s car’s suspension before the Sprint race proved crucial in fine-tuning the performance of Max Verstappen’s car, who ultimately won the Grand Prix. “We used the Sprint as a test session that allowed us to find a positive direction with the car,” Pérez said. Now, the Mexican driver and his team aim to consolidate these learnings as they approach the season finale in Abu Dhabi. CHECO LOOKS TO THE FUTURE Looking ahead to the last race of the year, Pérez remains optimistic about the improvements made to the RB20. “I hope we can confirm everything we’ve learned and finish the season on a high note,” he concluded.     While the Qatar GP left a bitter taste, the Mexican driver continues to work on strengthening his position in the championship and contributing to the team’s development, proving that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The next chapter for Checo Pérez will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he will strive to close the 2024 season strong and reaffirm his place among Formula 1’s elite.  

The Qatar Grand Prix marked a disappointing end for Sergio “Checo” Pérez, who was fighting for the top positions when, after the restart following a Safety Car, he lost control of his car, spun, and had to retire from the penultimate race of the season. Although Pérez started from ninth place, he had managed to close in on the podium, but it seems he suffered an issue with the transmission of his RB20 before the race resumed. This retirement came at a crucial moment, as “Checo” could lose his place at Red Bull after the final race in the Abu Dhabi GP, adding more speculation about his future. Also, you may be interested in: HONDA PRESENTS THREE NEW MODELS AT EXPO MOTO 2024   Foto de portada: X(@SChecoPerez)

Sergio “Checo” Pérez will start ninth on the grid at the Qatar Grand Prix after a solid performance in qualifying. Having missed Q3 since the United States Grand Prix, the Mexican driver showed significant improvement with a competitive pace. In Q2, Pérez placed fourth on fresh tires and remained among the top six for most of the session. Although he couldn’t challenge leading teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes, he capitalized on a mistake by Pierre Gasly in the final attempt to secure a spot in Q3. In the last session, Pérez couldn’t improve his position further but locked in the ninth spot. This result marks a notable step forward after several difficult qualifying sessions, demonstrating clear progress in his performance.  Also of interest: A premium motorcycle tire store opens in Mexico

The iconic Italian circuit will continue to host the Italian Grand Prix following a new contract extension. The Historic Agreement Extension The Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, known as the Temple of Speed, will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2031. This extension, adding six years to the current agreement, solidifies Monza’s importance as one of the most iconic venues in motorsport.     The announcement follows recent infrastructure upgrades made ahead of the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, which welcomed over 335,000 fans. Built in 1922, Monza has hosted the Italian Grand Prix nearly every season since the World Championship began in 1950, except for 1980, when it closed for renovations. A Circuit That Makes History Located near Milan, Monza is distinguished by its 5.8-kilometer track, renowned as one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with drivers at full throttle for 80% of the lap. In 2020, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history by average speed, clocking 264.362 km/h during qualifying. Legendary figures like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Juan Manuel Fangio have triumphed at Monza, while current stars like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc continue to write new chapters at this historic track. Commitment to the Future Formula 1 has seen remarkable growth in Italy, with a cumulative audience of 183.3 million in 2023 and a 16% increasein social media followers. Local authorities, led by the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) and supported by the Italian Government and the Lombardy Region, have invested heavily in recent circuit upgrades.     According to Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, these investments reflect a commitment to sustainability and improving the fan experience. Upgrades have included track resurfacing, enhanced access, and improved safety measures for both drivers and spectators. Projections Towards 2025 Looking ahead, plans are in place for further improvements to hospitality and services to meet the high standards of modern Formula 1. ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani emphasized that Monza is not only the oldest circuit on the calendar but also an event that continues to draw massive crowds thanks to its rich history and ongoing innovations. With this extension, Monza secures its place in Formula 1, keeping the passion of the tifosi alive and cementing its status as a true icon of motorsport.