F1 News: Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz’s dramatic crash in Baku sparks disagreement

Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz have both insisted they were not to blame for the collision between the pair towards the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The incident occurred on the second to last lap when Sainz caught up to the top three with a few laps to go.

The Spanish driver had momentarily snatched third place from Perez before their rear wheels touched, as they exited turn two side by side, sending them both hurtling into the wall.

Speaking to the media after the race, the Red Bull driver believed that if anyone was to be blamed for the crash, it would be Sainz.

“It's very unfortunate, it all happened too quickly,” said Perez.

“I think that Carlos was trying to follow the tow from Charles [Leclerc] because he went to the inside and that really made things hard."

Considering the Mexican driver’s recent form, a podium finish would have been a welcome surprise and could have helped Red Bull massively in their bid to win the constructors’ championship.

“It's a real shame that it happened," Perez added. "It's a disaster for the championships, for both of us to end our weekend like this when we definitely had a lot more on the table, it's a bit of a disaster.”

The 34-year-old, who last finished inside the top three back in April at the Chinese Grand Prix, has always raced well in Baku as he is the only repeat winner of the event.

However, his torrid season continues as Red Bull are now 20 points behind McLaren in the team standings.

After the race, Sainz took to social media to express his view on the crash as he said: “The important thing is we’re okay, but it’s a shame.

“I stayed on the racing line and did the same as every other lap, nothing strange. I didn't expect the contact on the rear tire. P3 or P2 was possible, but it is what it is. Time to move on.”

The FIA deemed that there was no further action to be taken as the stewards felt both drivers could have done more to avoid the collision but neither was predominantly to blame for the incident.

READ MORE: Charles Leclerc: Ferrari must review lost pit stop time to McLaren in F1 Azerbaijan GP