Perez and Stroll react to Singapore Sprint clash as outcome of stewards’ investigation announced

Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll have shared their reactions after a collision during the early stages of the Singapore Sprint forced both to retire.

Following a delayed start to proceedings due to heavy rainfall, the 100km dash got underway in challenging conditions – and just as George Russell crashed out of the lead at the front towards the end of the first lap, Stroll had also pulled off track further down the field.

Replays showed that the Aston Martin driver had clashed with the Cadillac of Perez at Turn 16, putting Stroll immediately out of the event. Perez, meanwhile, limped back to the pits but also went on to retire due to the damage sustained on his car.

It was confirmed that the incident would be investigated after the Sprint but the stewards ultimately decided that no further action needed to be taken, their view being that “the driver of Car 18 [Stroll] took a reasonable line into the corner and therefore was not at fault”.

Prior to the outcome of the investigation being announced, Perez gave his take on what happened and admitted that he was left to wonder what could have been given the weather conditions.

“It was a big shame because it was a bit of an opportunity, although the race is pretty short,” the Mexican explained. “I hope we get these conditions later on in the weekend.

“I was on the inside into Turn 16 with Lance and I wasn’t expecting him to shut the door there. When he closed the door I tried to brake, but it was just too late. I ended up locking, and there was nothing I could have done.”

Stroll, meanwhile, conceded that he had not yet had time to review the incident, commenting: “I don’t know exactly what happened. I got hit.”

Pushed on how difficult the conditions had been to drive in, the Canadian added: “Not so hard, I just got hit.”