Perez avoids sanction for late Albon move

The FIA has confirmed that Sergio Perez has avoided a penalty for forcing Alexander Albon off-track and onto the grass during their late battle for fifth place in the Belgian Grand Prix.

A rapid final stint from Albon on Soft tyres saw him close up on Perez in the closing stages of the race, getting close enough to line up a move on the final lap going down the Kemmel Straight.

Albon took to the right-hand side of the circuit to try and pass Perez, but was forced to put two wheels on the grass as he completed the move after appearing to be squeezed by the Racing Point driver.

Albon still managed to get the move completed, ultimately crossing the line P5 on his debut for Red Bull. Perez finished sixth, marking his first points finish since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April.

Race control quickly confirmed it would be investigating the incident after the race, with a stewards' summons following the chequered flag.

Perez and Albon met with the stewards at 1720 local time, where both drivers explained that it was "hard racing", prompting them to take no further action.

"The Stewards reviewed video evidence, heard from the driver of car 11 (Sergio Perez), the driver of car 23 (Alexander Albon) and team representatives," the report reads.

"PER said he had not realized ALB was moving to overtake on the right as earlier he thought he would overtake on the left. ALB achieved an initial overlap with all 4 wheels on the track, but as PER moved to his right ALB put 2 wheels on the grass verge. ALB kept on with his overtaking move. PER said when he knew he was on his right he moved to his left. ALB successfully overtook PER.

"Each driver described it as hard racing and agreed there was potential danger. In view of the explanations and the successful overtaking move it was considered there should be no further action."