SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 29: Yuki Tsunoda from Japan and Visa Cash App RB prepares to drive on the grid during the Sprint before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Austria at the Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
During an intense Qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring on Saturday, while waiting in the pits, Tsunoda expressed his frustration over the VCARB team radio with Stake F1 driver Zhou Guanyu, exclaiming, “These people are incredibly foolish.”
The video of this incident quickly spread on social media and caught the attention of the FIA-appointed Race Stewards in Austria. As a result, Tsunoda was summoned and his case was referred to the FIA International Sporting Code. After a discussion with the Japanese driver, the officials reached the following conclusion:
“During the hearing, the driver demonstrated sincere remorse. He argued that his interpretation of the words differed, but acknowledged that this should not serve as an excuse for his actions. The stewards appreciate the honesty of the driver, but emphasize that the language used is offensive and completely inappropriate.”
Due to Tsunoda’s “genuine remorse and commitment to issuing a public apology,” the FIA Stewards decided to suspend half of the fine until the end of the season.
Later, the 24-year-old VCARB driver Tsunoda posted on X:
After being surpassed by VCARB teammate Daniel Ricciardo (P11) in the Saturday session at the Red Bull Ring, Tsunoda will start in P14 for the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Regarding the rest of his Qualifying session and his plans for the Grand Prix, Tsunoda stated in the VCARB team report: “After this morning’s Sprint, we still needed to find more performance, but we weren’t in a disadvantaged position. I believe we had the pace to reach Q3 in the afternoon, but unfortunately I couldn’t put it all together. It’s totally my fault.
“The team worked hard and did an excellent job using all the data we collected to optimize the car based on previous sessions. The setup was solid, so the blame is on me. It’s a big disappointment. We will continue to strive and hope to achieve a top ten result,” added Tsunoda, who will make his 74th start in a Grand Prix on Sunday.
VCARB confirmed Tsunoda’s position for 2025, but the identity of his teammate has not been announced yet. (Additional reporting by Agnes Carlier at the Red Bull Ring)
