Sainz and Pérez reconcile after dramatic Baku collision

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Singapore -- Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz have resolved their differences following a dramatic collision during last week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The two drivers engaged in a "awkward" 20-minute conversation at the circuit's medical centre post-race.

The incident in question occurred on the penultimate lap as both drivers battled for third place. The front right tyre of Pérez's Red Bull made contact with the right rear of Sainz's Ferrari, resulting in Sainz's car veering across the track and into the wall. Initially, both drivers pointed fingers, but the stewards ultimately deemed it a racing incident.

At the medical centre, standard precautionary tests provided the perfect setting for the two to reflect on the incident. Sainz explained the surreal conversation that took place.

"We were awkwardly sat next to each other for 20 minutes in the medical centre, both with a heart rate monitor and controlling our vitals," Sainz said ahead of this week's Singapore Grand Prix. "We were looking at each other and saying: 'Mate, what the f--- happened there? And we were like: I don't know. But I promise I didn't do anything bad to you, Checo. I didn't close you off. I didn't do anything.'"

Sainz continued, "We were having this dialogue and trying to analyse what happened. And suddenly, after these 20 minutes, we were like … this sport is so s--- sometimes! How can we be here and missing out on the podium? We had the podium."

The Spaniard also reflected on the lost opportunity, highlighting their chance to challenge Charles Leclerc. "Charles was dying on his hard tyres out there. We were probably both going to have a go at him. And we were both sitting there like: 'How on earth did we manage to not finish on the podium?' It was a podium coming -- and in the end we kind of joked about it, so no hard feelings with each other."

Pérez echoed the sentiment. "Once we took our helmets off, we realized that we screwed up, that finishing a race like that was really disappointing," he remarked. "We were in the medical centre, and they were both checking us up and we were all fine. We both wanted to leave as soon as possible because we were both super sad at the outcome."

The aftermath of the crash was widely circulated on social media, with footage showing Pérez approaching Sainz's car and appearing to slap the top of Sainz's head. Both drivers downplayed the altercation.

"I was talking to him; I didn’t push his head," Pérez clarified. "It looks worse on the video than it is; obviously Carlos is one of my best mates in the drivers group. So the last person I would have liked to come together with is Carlos. But we’ve turned a page, and hopefully both of us can have a tremendous race [in Singapore]."

Sainz, for his part, also dismissed the incident. "I don't remember it really. Honestly speaking, I couldn't remember if he touched my helmet anyway," Sainz said.

"I always take a bit of time to get out of my car because I need to do my belts, the headrest, while some drivers prefer not to, the drink tube, radio. I always take my time, and I think he used that time to agitatedly come to me to say something -- by the way, I could not hear what he said!"

As they prepare for the Singapore Grand Prix, both drivers will be hoping to put the Baku incident firmly behind them and focus on securing a strong result.

Up Next