In Monaco, a collision occurs between Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez.
Jenson Button may be sitting on the fence when it comes to the Sergio Perez v Kevin Magnussen crash in Monaco, but Martin Brundle believes the Haas driver should’ve backed off.
After a disappointing qualifying session for Perez and the Haas team-mates, who were disqualified due to a rear wing violation, Perez and Magnussen took their positions on the grid in Monaco, starting from 16th and 20th place respectively.
Jenson Button: It’s a real strange one
The Mexican driver had a delayed start, causing him to fall to 17th place. Meanwhile, Magnussen quickly advanced to P18 and seemed eager to challenge Perez for a better position.
But trying to sneak up the inside of the Red Bull driver, he tagged him with Perez pitched nose-first into the Armco barrier in what was a frightening crash for the Mexican driver and the trackside photographers.
Perez’s RB20 suffered extensive damage with all four corners shattered, causing debris to scatter uncontrollably, even reaching the barriers meant to shield the photographers. Similarly, Magnussen’s Haas endured race-ending harm.
Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas was also affected when Perez crashed into him.
The marshals immediately initiated the red flag procedure to clear the debris field, while the stewards conducted an investigation into the incident. Following their thorough examination, the stewards concluded that no individual could be held entirely responsible.
Button, the 2009 World Champion, concurs with the decision, believing that both drivers should have allowed more space for each other.
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“It’s surprising [Perez] knew [Magnussen] was there and didn’t move to the left a little bit more,” he told Sky Sports.
The impact was extremely severe, propelling you approximately 300 meters away from the scene due to the high speed involved.
“It’s a real strange one.
Both individuals should have granted each other more space, it’s necessary to acknowledge.
“Can we consider it as a racing incident? To some extent, yes, since Checo was aware of Kevin’s presence and perhaps could have allowed him a bit more space.”
“But,” he added, speaking of Magnussen, “if a car is approaching from the right at a speed of 150mph, I would yield.”
Brundle firmly believes that Magnussen should have done just that.
“He should have abandoned that moment,” he said, emphasizing that it was unnecessary for Kevin Magnussen to keep his car there.
“The risk was unjustified in that situation. Engaging in a battle with a Red Bull from a position considerably far behind is futile.”
Timo Glock, a former F1 driver, shares Brundle’s viewpoint on this matter.
The former Toyota driver expressed that if one were in Kevin Magnussen’s shoes, they would need to exercise caution and retreat at some point. Magnussen’s actions were not incorrect, as he understands that reaching the casino involves navigating beyond a simple straight path.
If only he had pulled back, he would have been able to prevent the accident.
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