Perez learns fate over "joke" comments about Abu Dhabi stewards

Sergio Perez has been handed a formal warning by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards following his "joke" comments following his time penalty.

Perez was hit with a five-second penalty for contact with Lando Norris at Turn 6, which demoted him from second on the road at the flag to fourth.

Over the radio, he said: "The stewards are a joke, man. I cannot believe it. They have been very bad this year, but this is a joke. That was really a joke."

This earned him a summons under a breach of Article 12.2.1 K of the International Sporting Code, which covers misconduct towards officials, including the stewards.

In the meeting with the Mexican, the stewards explained that they had "no issue with someone disagreeing with their decisions" but that "personal insults" were a breach of the ISC.

The stewards did note that they were "conflicted in the matter" as it was they who were subject to Perez's comments, but that as Abu Dhabi was the season-finale, the usual procedure of passing the incident to the stewards at the next event could not be followed.

Perez made a "genuine" apology to each of the stewards, explaining that he made the comments "in the heat of the moment, and did not consider that they would be broadcast."

The Red Bull driver expressed regret about any offence caused, and the stewards accepted the apology, noting that Perez is not a driver known for making such comments and is "extremely respectful" in stewards hearings.

Perez, Red Bull Team Manager Jonathan Wheatley and the stewards held "constructive discussions" about the use of team radio messages and their verdict, and while Perez disagreed with the decision, he said he could understand the stewards' verdict.