The quick reaction of a mechanic prevented Sergio Perez’s Cadillac, left unattended without the brake engaged, from causing a serious accident.
A minor incident at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix nearly turned into a mishap for Sergio Perez’s Cadillac. In a video circulating on social media, fans can see the rapid response of a mechanic in the parc fermé who managed to avert what could have been a disaster.
The Mexican driver had left his car in the designated stopping area immediately after the race, as required by regulations. However, the Cadillac began to slowly slide dangerously toward the side of an Alpine. At that moment, a mechanic from the French team noticed the car moving and rushed to stop it, assisted by a colleague from the Cadillac team. Together, they were able to reposition Perez’s car safely.
Their swift action prevented contact that could have caused further, unnecessary damage to cars already stressed from the grueling race at the Shanghai circuit.
It was a small lapse, possibly caused by the Mexican driver, that could have escalated into an end-of-race accident. The rules are clear: once the race is over, drivers must proceed to a specific area, often located beneath the podium, where the cars are then inspected by FIA officials.
This is a delicate phase, during which Formula 1 cars are left in neutral so mechanics can push them. In such situations, incidents like Perez’s can happen, where a car may slide and get out of control. Only the quick reflexes of the mechanics can prevent a disaster.
You can watch the video of the moment at the bottom of this article by clicking this external link.
While the incident with Sergio Perez’s Cadillac ended without damage, it shows the constant vigilance required by paddock staff even after the checkered flag has dropped. The quick thinking displayed in the Shanghai parc fermé ensured that the focus remained on the racing results rather than avoidable bodywork repairs.
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