Sergio Perez has avoided a penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix, despite appearing to block Lance Stroll during qualifying. On the Canadian’s fast lap, Perez was driving slowly at the final chicane, where Stroll felt his lap was heavily hampered.
After Stroll failed to get a second clean run in due to Romain Grosjean causing a red flag, the 18-year-old dropped out in Q1. Both drivers were called to the stewards following the qualifying session, and it was decided that no further action should be applied.
Full statement from the stewards
“Throughout qualifying cars were slowing considerably entering Turn 16 in order to achieve a gap to the cars in front of them.