When the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, announced the schedule of press conferences for the 2024 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, some observers noticed one of the names on the list.
Yuki Tsunoda.
Following an altercation in the final stages of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix that spilled over into the cool-down lap, Tsunoda was likely to be questioned about the situation. Late in the race, Tsunoda was issued an order to allow teammate Daniel Ricciardo to past him on lap 52. Tsunoda originally expressed his dissatisfaction with the order and continued to query the decision even after Ricciardo passed.
Then, during the cool-down lap, Tsunoda lunged inside of Ricciardo and locked up his brakes, a maneuver that was criticized by
Ricciardo spoke on the radio and with the reporters after the race.
Tsunoda was asked about the incident several times during Wednesday’s press conference.
“Yeah, we discussed it with the entire squad after the race, and we’re still unified, so we’re on the same page now. We understand one another. “So, yeah, I think that’s it,” Tsunoda remarked at Wednesday’s press conference.
Tsunoda was asked if his actions during the cool-down lap reflected his “frustration” with the directive, and he said yes. “At that point, yeah. Tsunoda continued, “But in the end, I understand what they’re saying.” “And yes, I believe that’s it. It was clearly not an easy race at the end. So, I believe that’s all, yes.”
Sky Sports F1 analyst David Croft then probed Tsunoda on whether the order was the correct decision in the first place, and the driver commented on the scenario.
“Yes, I believe we were on a different approach than Daniel. And he had new tires. Well, he had soft tires. And I was fighting with Kevin Magnussen. So obviously, he had more free air and more speed,” Tsunoda explained. “And I believe the team thought Daniel had greater pace and a better chance of passing Kevin.
