Sergio Perez is against anybody telling Formula 1 drivers how much they’re worth after Zhou Guanyu was lucky to escape his horrible accident at the British Grand Prix last weekend.
George Russell and Pierre Gasly made contact off the start, sending the Mercedes into the back of Zhou and causing the Chinese driver to flip upside-down as he hurtled towards the barrier.
The Alfa Romeo dug into the gravel trap and launched itself up and over the barrier, hitting the fence behind it.
Thankfully, Zhou and the spectators in the Abbey grandstand were all unharmed, but it was a nasty collision that served as another stark reminder of the dangers the drivers put themselves through when they race.
Therefore, with a driver salary cap idea currently being floated around, Perez does not believe it is fair to put a price on drivers’ lives.
“When you hear people talking about putting a cap on the drivers’ salaries, we are the ones putting all the risk out there, giving a show so I don’t think it’s a good thing to be talking about that in the sport moving forwards,” he said.
“I knew there was an accident, but I was back in the garage and I was looking at the TV and they showed the accident and I was shocked.
“It’s hard to see that and to try to delete it from your mind and try to focus on what you have to do.”
Team-mate Max Verstappen was also firmly opposed to the idea when it popped up at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix a few races ago.
“I think at the moment, F1 is becoming more and more popular,” he reiterated.
“Everyone is benefitting, so why should the drivers, with their IP rights and everything, be capped? We actually bring the show and put our lives at risk so for me, it’s completely wrong.”
After his accident in Silverstone, Zhou thanked the marshals and medical team for making sure he was safely removed from his car and into the ambulance, before confirming that he is unharmed.
READ: McLaren reveal mechanical failure hurt Ricciardo’s British GP as Seidl gives blunt assessment
“It was a big crash and I’m glad I’m OK,” he said.
“The marshals and the medical team at the track were fantastic with their quick response, and I also owe my thanks to the FIA and Formula 1 for all the work they have done, and they keep doing, to improve the safety of our cars.”
Williams’ Alex Albon was also taken to the hospital for checks after he slammed into the concrete barrier on the inside of Abbey while braking to avoid the crash ahead of him.
That sent Sebastian Vettel into the back of him, and he slewed back across the track and into the path of Esteban Ocon, before the Thai-British driver then made contact with Yuki Tsunoda.
Albon was later discharged from Coventry hospital, and both he and Zhou have stated their intent to be fit for the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.