Should Magnussen have been penalized after his accident with Pérez?

The images sent shivers down our spines. A first fear upon seeing the wreckage of the Red Bull by Sergio Pérez, leaving people fearing the worst before being reassured by the Mexican's exit outside his car, then a second thrill seeing the slow motion of the accident again.

On the climb to Beau Rivage after the first turn, Kevin Magnussen tried to infiltrate alongside the Red Bull, but in such a narrow zone, the outcome could only be bad. The Dane, pressed against the wall, finally hit his opponent head-on, sending both cars against the rail at high speed. Nico Hulkenberg was also caught in the accident, as a collateral victim. Due to the numerous debris on the track and the three stranded cars, the red flag was logically displayed a few seconds later.

THE REPLAY OF THE HUGE CRASH AT THE START! 😳😳

Still red flag in Monaco, Sergio Pérez, Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen are doing well ✅#MonacoGP #F1 ???????? pic.twitter.com/HiKnvB2ahT

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) May 26, 2024

Each blames the other

An accident of incredible violence which could have turned into a tragedy: a photographer was slightly injured following the impact, but left the hospital safe and sound. The accident was quickly noted by the race marshals… but a few minutes later, they already closed the case, arguing that this collision was the result of a “racing incident”. No investigation opened and therefore, no sanction given. Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Pérez are thus deemed responsible at the same level.

A decision that does not go down well with certain actors, first and foremost for Sergio Pérez obviously. “ I was surprised that he stayed all the way at that point because it wasn't necessary. There was a lot of damage, it was very dangerous. I am very disappointed that there was no investigation because it was a major incident. My car is completely destroyed », he regretted. A speech taken up by Christian Horner, the director of the Red Bull team. “I'm very disappointed by the accident on the first lap, and I think Magnussen should have left more space. He not only damaged his car, but also ours, but fortunately Checo escaped unscathed, which is the most important thing. »

Obviously, the discourse is radically different from K-Mag, who believes that the Mexican should have given him more space: “From my point of view, I was there and I was pressed to the wall, he told British media Sky Sports. I had a good part of my muzzle next to Pérez. When he approached, I was pushed into the wall and made contact with him. I thought he was going to give me space since I was there. » 

The FIA ​​too lenient with Magnussen?

Two speeches, two different visions of this violent accident which also divides the world of Formula 1. If the two drivers were found responsible, was there a real culprit? If yes which ? Reading the images, we would be tempted to put the blame on the shoulders of Kevin Magnussen, who attempted a very daring overtake in a part of the circuit and at a very inopportune moment in the race. And in a very particular context.

It's no secret: the Dane has been threatened for several races. He only has two points left on his license, and he will not recover his first points until 2025. If he had been found guilty of this collision, there is no doubt that the driver Haas would have lost his last two points and would have been suspended for a Grand Prix. Kevin Magnussen must remain “wise” throughout the season – an effort for someone who has a reputation as a fierce fighter on the track – and this incident could have been fatal for him. Not only for a Grand Prix, but also for his future at Haas which has never been so fragile.

© Florent Gooden / DPPI

Has the FIA ​​decided not to penalize Kevin Magnussen to give him a “second chance” and thus avoid the bad publicity of a driver suspended after only eight races? If the governing body has not communicated its choice not to open an investigation, this possibility should be ruled out as security is a central element in the decision-making of the commissioners, even beyond the purely sporty.

However, we are left to wonder why no investigation was opened - even if it were to result in the same conclusion, namely a racing incident - when at the same time, Esteban Ocon was quickly sanctioned (rightly) after his clash with Pierre Gasly. The speed with which the race management closed the file also raises questions. Two weights, two measures ?

In their "racing incident" reasoning, the commissioners would therefore have considered that Kevin Magnussen did not attempt a too daring maneuver such as a dive on the inside of a turn, like what was done by do Esteban Ocon precisely. Taking advantage of a better exit from the first turn, the 31-year-old driver was entitled to get close to Sergio Pérez. His fault would then come from too much optimism, or rather from a bad assessment. Yes, K-Mag should not have insisted knowing the nature of the route and the consequences of an accident in the streets of the Principality. But from there to talking about a driving error, the border is blurred... and the FIA ​​probably played on this border to close the debate. Failed, because the debate persists and gains momentum…

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