The RB Formula 1 team plans to discuss with the FIA the “unsportsmanlike” strategies that helped Haas secure a point during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Yuki Tsunoda, who initially started in the top 10, fell behind the Haas drivers after RB took advantage of a Safety Car situation on lap 7 to pit and switch to new hard tires. On the restart, Kevin Magnussen overtook Tsunoda off track limits and later collided with Alex Albon, resulting in two separate 10-second time penalties. As a result, Magnussen drove at a slower pace, allowing his teammate to build a significant gap and maintain position on track. Nico Hulkenberg ended up finishing in 11th place, which became 10th after Sauber pitted Guanyu Zhou, securing Haas’ first point since Singapore in September. Tsunoda acknowledges it was a mistake to let Magnussen pass with older tires, but believes it was “unfair” how this incident affected his race. Despite his frustration, Tsunoda recognizes that F1 is a team sport and acknowledges that Magnussen did a good job for Haas given the circumstances. However, RB team principal Laurent Mekies was unhappy with Haas’ actions, arguing that Magnussen’s infractions made the penalties meaningless and ruined Tsunoda’s race as he was fighting for a possible 10th place.
The new RB Sporting Director, Alan Permane, agreed with Mekies’ comments and indicated that the Faenza-based team intends to have discussions with the FIA.
“Magnussen intentionally went off track to position himself in front of Yuki and then deliberately slowed him down by up to two seconds per lap. This allowed Hulkenberg, who had not yet made a pit stop, to create a gap and ultimately pit ahead of all the cars behind,” Permane stated.
“In my opinion, this doesn’t seem right and is a clear example of unsportsmanlike conduct. I am confident that we, along with other teams, will address this issue with the FIA for the upcoming races.”
Meanwhile, Tsunoda also expressed his dissatisfaction with Magnussen’s aggressive defense at the exit of Turn 2, which resulted in Esteban Ocon seizing the opportunity to overtake the Japanese driver.
“To score points, you do what you can to hold your position,” he explained.
“It was quite dangerous and we almost collided at Turn 2. I have to acknowledge that it wasn’t fair, but I have to understand it.”
Tsunoda had an exceptional performance in qualifying, securing RB’s first appearance in Q3. However, he lamented that this success did not translate into the race, as he and his teammate Daniel Ricciardo regressed.
“From the start, we struggled with pace. I had very little grip and it was challenging to even stay on track,” he expressed.
