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Sergio Perez blames Esteban Ocon for Force India clash in Baku

Sergio Perez has blamed team-mate Esteban Ocon for the collision that ended Force India's hopes of a podium at Formula 1's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, calling it "totally unacceptable".

The two drivers collided just two weeks after Perez refused to allow Ocon past in pursuit of Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull in Montreal.

Following a safety car restart in Baku, the two Force Indias hit each other on the exit of Turn 2 while running fourth and fifth.

The race proved to be a chaotic affair with all the cars that had been in front of the Force Indias delayed in various incidents, suggesting Force India could have won the race and taken a double podium as both drivers were ahead of race winner Ricciardo early on.

"Between us, we ruined a great opportunity for the team," said Perez, who was forced to retire later with damage from their clash.

"Actually I feel that I couldn't have done anything to avoid the accident. I was next to the wall, and there was no room for me to go.

"It's a big shame, the way everything turned out, it was just over-aggressive. In all my career I've had teammates who have been hard but given enough room.

"What happened today is totally unacceptable for the team.

"I think the way he raced today wasn't right. I think he did didn't have any logic."

OCON SAYS PEREZ HIT HIM FIRST

Ocon was able to continue and finished sixth, despite being forced to pit to replace a punctured tyre following the intra-team clash.

The Force India driver says the collision was caused by contact from Perez after Turn 1.

"I'm happy with the performance and disappointed with the potential we had," said Ocon.

"Obviously it's never nice to have an incident like that in the race between me and Checo. I lost a lot of places, but still managed to get some points for the team.

"He touched me after Turn 1, and then I was on the inside for Turn 2, and we touched again. Unfortunately, it's racing and it happens sometimes.

"For sure we will discuss it and it should not happen in the future."

Zdroj: autosport.com