Sergio Perez’s Mexican GP over at turn one after Charles Leclerc collision

Sergio Perez’s home race ended in disaster on Sunday afternoon as he crashed out of the Mexican Grand Prix following lap-one contact with Charles Leclerc, deepening his Red Bull woes.

The home hero enjoyed an incredible launch, quickly climbing from fifth on the grid to challenge Leclerc and team-mate Max Verstappen into the opening corner.

Unfortunately for Checo, it all unravelled as he turned in early on the outside of Leclerc’s Ferrari, sending him airborne and then spinning into the turn-one run-off.

The 33-year-old managed to return his RB19 to the pit lane as Red Bull mechanics worked to attempt to send the Mexican back out on track, but it was no use as Perez’s home race came to a heartbreaking end.

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Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle offered his insight into the collision, explaining: “That’s just what happens if you try to go around the outside into Turn One. Leclerc can’t go any further right and look at the damage on the sidepod on Perez’s car.”

Leclerc didn’t emerge from the incident unscathed either. The Ferrari driver’s front wing endplate was hanging off for the following couple of laps before it detached completely, bringing out the virtual safety car.

The real winner from the opening lap fiasco was Verstappen. The reigning world champion started from third on the grid, but took the lead at turn one after getting an excellent launch.

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This was, however, a total disaster for Checo. He was already under extreme pressure heading into this weekend following disappointing performances in Suzuka, Qatar and Texas.

Worse still, Daniel Ricciardo – seen by the Red Bull hierarchy as his natural replacement for 2024 should they have to pull the trigger early – out-qualified Perez with one of the most memorable Saturday displays of the season.

Brundle noted this ahead of lights out on Sunday, stating: “I think it’s one of the most important races of his career, let alone this year. He needs to demonstrate to Red Bull he’s the man to go forward with.”

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