Perez’s late yield to Sainz was tactical, says Palmer

Jolyon Palmer believes Sergio Perez’s late yield of third place to Carlos Sainz in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was tactical.

It was a day of misfortune for Perez having initially earned pole position and looking to be cruising to a third win of his F1 career before an ill-timed pit-stop scuppered his chances.

Charles Leclerc and Ferrari appeared to bluff Perez and Red Bull perfectly after stating they would ‘pit’, only to stay out. Perez, meanwhile, did stop but was given no chance to gain advantage from his fresh tyres after a crash from Nicholas Latifi brought out the Safety Car.

Palmer on Verstappen's 'nuisance' tactic

McLaren admit MCL36 has 'fundamental problems'

Gap to midfield gives Mercedes scope to ‘experiment’

Vettel was ‘virtually present’ to help AM in Saudi

Fittipaldi applauds Max, Charles’ ‘art of racing’

Ferrari provide ironic twist in Mercedes engine battle

'Verstappen is expensive, but he is worth it'

RB18 will lose weight before Imola

Bahrain staying on F1 calendar to 2036

Formula 1 has confirmed Las Vegas for 2023

As the other drivers stopped for fresh tyres, Perez’s luck only got worse when he was adjudged to have been behind Carlos Sainz at the Safety Car line as the Ferrari driver exited the pits.

Perez kept third place as Sainz and Ferrari protested to the stewards, but a new Race Control directive for the 2022 season dictates the teams will not be instructed to give the place back. Instead,  teams are being asked to self-govern or face a penalty.

As a result, Perez did not immediately give the place back and Jolyon Palmer believes that was tactical from Red Bull in order to give Max Verstappen some protection.

Sometimes luck is not on your side, but there’s plenty of positive things from the