Sergio Pérez warns of F1 safety risks following Baku near-miss

Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez has issued a warning regarding driver safety, stating that “something bad is going to happen soon” if current engine regulations are not modified. The warning follows a near-miss during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Pérez narrowly avoided a “massive shunt” while defending his position against Liam Lawson.

Pérez attributed the danger to significant disparities in energy deployment and power between different engine manufacturers. He noted that the current gap between top-tier power units, such as those from Mercedes and Red Bull, and others creates dangerous closing speed differentials on track. This issue has been a point of contention since the introduction of new power unit regulations, with previous incidents involving drivers Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto highlighting similar risks.

While the FIA has planned technical adjustments for 2027 and 2028 to reduce the ratio of electrical to internal combustion power, Pérez argues that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks posed by the current performance deltas.