The second free practice session of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix was far from calm. An incident between Sergio Pérez and Charles Leclerc caught the attention of the FIA ??and caused blisters in the paddock. The two drivers carried out a series of actions on the track that gave rise to an investigation for “impediment”, according to the Formula 1 regulations.
The incident occurred when Pérez arrived first at the chicane of turns 2 and 3, rolling at a considerably low speed. Leclerc, who was behind on a fast lap, was forced to brake, which caused him obvious discomfort, as could be heard on his radio.
In retaliation, the Monegasque Ferrari driver took the law into his own hands and returned the maneuver at Turn 7, forcing Pérez to make a sudden movement to avoid a collision. Antonio Lobato, DAZN commentator, was forceful when labeling these actions: “A closed one that is a bit of a badass.” According to him, these actions were at the limit and could be “even investigable.”
Faced with this dispute, the FIA ??decided to take action on the matter and both were called to testify before the stewards for a possible violation of article 37.5 of the Formula 1 Sports Regulations. Only the Red Bull driver was investigated, but in the end he had no of sanction.