Sergio Perez hit with grid penalty for F1 Australian Grand Prix as 3 drivers benefit from big decision

Sergio Perez has been hit with a grid penalty for the F1 Australian Grand Prix.

The Mexican Red Bull driver was third fastest in qualifying but got into hot water for allegedly blocking Nico Hulkenberg during the session. After looking at the evidence, the stewards decided Perez was in the wrong and gave him a grid penalty. This means he'll start Sunday's race in sixth place.

The official decision said: "Hulkenberg was on a fast lap when he approached turn 13. Perez, who was on an out lap was at the apex of the turn and Hulkenberg had to leave the racing line to drive around him. Hulkenberg was forced to lift the throttle early and brake early for that corner." Listening to the audio from Perez's car, the stewards noticed that his team was more focused on the car in front of Perez that had just slowed down.

They didn't warn Perez about Hulkenberg being behind him until it was too late to avoid blocking him. The stewards said they understand the tricky situation the team and driver were in during the Q1 session. But they still think Perez unnecessarily blocked Hulkenberg and have given him a three grid place drop, which is what they usually do in these cases.

Lando Norris is now in third place for the race after Perez had some bad luck. Charles Leclerc is up to fourth, and Oscar Piastri from Melbourne will start fifth, with a Red Bull car right behind him. Red Bull still has the fastest car and Verstappen is at the front. Verstappen, who could win 10 races in a row on Sunday, was surprised by how well he did.

He said: "I think so far this weekend, it has been a bit tough to find a good balance in the car. Even throughout qualifying, Q1, Q2, I didn't really feel like fighting for pole.

"But then we made some little tickles on