Will an aggressive Sergio Perez force a change of how F1 is governed?

In the past several years, Formula 1 officials have made it clear that causing “unnecessary accidents” with other drivers will result in penalties. A relatively minor infringement might garner a time penalty of twenty seconds. More serious mistakes might bring a grid penalty of five to ten positions at the next grand prix. Repeated offenses can even bring a race ban, like that experienced by Lotus driver Romain Grosjean just last summer.

At the Monaco Grand Prix a couple of weeks ago, the racing was a predictable single file affair of follow the leader, as the tight, twisty circuit through the streets of Monte Carlo traditionally makes overtaking nearly impossible. If you don’t pass cars through pit stop strategy and execution, you’ll likely finish where you started, moving up only through the attrition of others.

Unless you’re super aggressive.

Unless, like two weeks ago, you’re driver Sergio Perez racing your McLaren. 

On several occasions, the super aggressive Perez barreled out of the tunnel and dive bombed a rival under heavy breaking into the Nouvelle Chicane. Without touching other drivers, at least during the majority of the race, he was able to make it work, even without executing a clean overtaking maneuver.

How?

Drivers like Ferrari’s esteemed Fernando Alonso fell victim to the tactic. With a quick glance in the left side mirror, Alonso determined if he stayed on course, Perez would likely run into him, ruining both of their races. Prudence suggested he short-cut the chicane, to prevent an accident and continue the race in one piece, in his current position.

All of that sounds great until … stewards penalized Alonso for shortcutting the course to maintain the position. The judgment required Alonso to give up the position on the track, and at Monaco, unless it’s raining and you’re Aryton Senna, that’s a position not likely to be recovered.

What’s the difference between a hero and a zero? Imagine the consequences if Alonso stayed on his line through the chicane. The corner would clearly be his, and any contact from Perez, from behind and on the side, would be squarely the preventable cause of Perez; a preventable accident perhaps punished by a penalty.

Requiring Alonso and others to relinquish a position kept by likely preventing an accident the cause of the aggressive Perez raises an interesting dilemma. The rules are black and white. Short-cutting the course to save or gain a position requires giving up that position. Negligently causing preventable contact requires a penalty. But, what if one does one to avoid the other? After all, getting caught up in another’s poor judgment ruins your race to.

Monaco is a unique circuit and often delivers unique circumstances and results (OlivierPanis, anyone?). However, don’t expect Perez’s aggressive driving style to be a Monaco one-off.  Plus, don’t think for a second every other driver is going to school and thinking, “Hey, that seemed to work.”

Canada is next up on the F1 schedule this weekend. There’s a lot to suggest this is a story that just might have legs the rest of the season.

Run hot laps on Twitter @RayHartjen