Despite being chastised by Helmut Marko for even attempting a pass around the outside of Turn 4 in Austria, Sergio Perez stands by his belief that it was 100 percent George Russell’s “mistake”.

Perez’s title hopes were dealt a hefty blow last time out in Austria when he was spun into the gravel by Russell as they fought over fourth place on the opening lap.

Both drivers blamed the other for the collision, however, the stewards deemed it to be Russell’s fault and slapped the Mercedes driver with a five-second penalty.

Perez agrees, standing by his belief that there would not have been contact were it not for a “mistake” from his British rival.