Perez happy with performance, unhappy with 'harsh' penalty

Sergio Perez took exception with the Spanish Grand Prix stewards' "very unfair" decision to penalize him for ignoring blue flags displayed as he was set to be lapped by race leader Lewis Hamilton.

Perez's return to active duty in Barcelona yielded a well-deserved fourth-place finish on the road that became a P5 in the wake of a five-second penalty.

In the closing stages of the race, the Racing Point driver was caught by Hamilton in the twisty final sector of the Circuit de Catalunya but chose to wait until both drivers arrived on the main straight to let Hamilton through.

2020 Spanish Grand Prix - Race results

Unfortunately, the stewards frowned upon Perez's tardy decision.

"I don't understand where I should have moved, Hamilton got to me very late in the lap and then in the final sector it is very tight, very narrow, so I don't have anywhere [to go]," Perez told Sky Sports F1.

"It would have been very unsafe for me to do something there but still I got the penalty. I feel it was very unfair but it is how it is.

"I am happy that at least we didn't lose out with the points because Lance got them but I think the penalty was harsh.

"I got the call out of [Turn] nine, and into [Turn] 10 Lewis was very fast so the first opportunity I thought I had was Turn 1 because the track is very narrow and very tight so it can only go badly.

"So I thought he was only going to lose more time if I give the position there rather than waiting and giving him the position into Turn 1.

"I got the penalty so I don't know if something changed while I was not here, but I have seen a lot worse than that and people get away with it."

Perez's pain was teammate Lance Stroll's gain as the Canadian was promoted to P4 after the race.

However, Perez was satisfied overall with his return to the track and solid drive that helps push Racing Point up to third in the Constructors' standings.

"I think it was for the team and I am very happy with the result we got today as it was a lot of points for the team," Perez said.

"I think they have done a great job with the strategy as well making the one stop work wasn't an issue so I am pleased with that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.