Magnussen handed grid penalty for blocking Perez
Kevin Magnussen has been handed a three-place grid penalty for having impeded Sergio Perez in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix.
Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Force India driver Perez complained on the radio during Q1 after being blocked by Magnussen through Turn 13 and 14
"I had to use an extra set of tyres, which meant I went into Q3 with a single [fresh] set, so that hurt me a lot," said Perez, who went on to qualify in 10th position.
"He didn't do it on purpose, but they are quite often, him or Haas, getting it wrong. So I think it's something they have to improve at."
Magnussen said afterwards that his Haas team had mistakenly told him that Perez was not on a flying lap, and admitted the penalty was expected.
"I was told that he was on an out-lap so I didn't let him through, so I can understand if he's pretty angry with that," he told Sky.
"I can only say it was a mistake. I'm sorry about that. I definitely impeded his lap so that gives you a penalty, so I'm expecting a penalty."
As a result, Magnussen was given a three-place grid penalty and a penalty point for a total of eight over the past 12 months.
"The driver of car 20 admitted he had impeded car 11, and the team admitted it had inadvertently incorrectly advised the driver that PER was on an out-lap. The driver and team apologised to the driver of car 11 for the error," said the stewards.
Despite the penalty, Magnussen - who had qualified last - is set to start from 18th position thanks to the penalties to drivers ahead of him.
Additional reporting by Glenn Freeman
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