VCARB Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda has been fined 40,000 euros for using offensive language during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session. The incident occurred towards the end of Q1 at the Red Bull Ring when Tsunoda was overtaken in the pit lane by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu.
In response, Tsunoda was heard over the team radio using derogatory language, saying “These guys are f***ing retarded.” The remarks were reported to the FIA's race stewards, who determined that Tsunoda had breached the governing body's International Sporting Code.
Here is the video:
As a result, Tsunoda received a 40,000 euro fine, with half of it suspended for the rest of the 2024 season, contingent upon no further infractions. During the stewards' hearing, Tsunoda expressed remorse and explained that he did not fully comprehend the inappropriateness of his language, as English is not his first language.
Also WATCH: Bird eye view of Max Verstappen's masterclass to win 3-way battle
Despite his apology, the stewards concluded that Tsunoda's remarks constituted a breach of the code. In their official statement, the stewards acknowledged Tsunoda's honesty and apology but reinforced the unacceptability of such language.
“The driver was very apologetic”, says FIA stewards
The stewards noted, “During Q1 when car 22 was queuing in the fast lane and another car blended into the fast lane ahead of him, the driver was heard to make a statement over team radio using offensive language. The driver was very apologetic and explained that because English is not his first language, he was unaware until after the session what the meaning of the words used is in the English language.”
Also WATCH: 'Master at work' - Fans celebrate Max Verstappen's flying Qualifying Lap
Tsunoda's candidness and willingness to publicly apologize influenced the stewards' decision to suspend half of the fine. They emphasized that while Tsunoda's remorse was genuine, the language used was offensive and inappropriate for a public platform.
Also WATCH: Nico Hulkenberg's bizarre overtake on Alonso costs him five place grid drop
Following Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, which defines verbal misconduct as the use of language that is offensive, insulting, or abusive, the stewards imposed a significant fine. However, they also took into account Tsunoda's genuine remorse and his offer to issue a public apology.
Also WATCH: Charles Leclerc's magical triple overtake during sprint race in Austria
Following the incident, Tsunoda posted an apology on his Instagram account, stating, “I wanted to say big apologies for what I said on the radio today. I didn't use it intentionally and completely misunderstanding from myself the exact meaning of it. I now have a better understanding of what the word means and am very apologetic for what I said. This type of language has no place and is not tolerated, and for that, I am sorry.”
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WATCH: Yuki Tsunoda's horrible comment attracts huge fine from stewards ahead of Austrian Grand Prix
VCARB Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda has been fined for using offensive language in the pit lane during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session.
Yuki Tsunoda (Source: X)
VCARB Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda has been fined 40,000 euros for using offensive language during the Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session. The incident occurred towards the end of Q1 at the Red Bull Ring when Tsunoda was overtaken in the pit lane by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu.
In response, Tsunoda was heard over the team radio using derogatory language, saying “These guys are f***ing retarded.” The remarks were reported to the FIA's race stewards, who determined that Tsunoda had breached the governing body's International Sporting Code.
Here is the video:
As a result, Tsunoda received a 40,000 euro fine, with half of it suspended for the rest of the 2024 season, contingent upon no further infractions. During the stewards' hearing, Tsunoda expressed remorse and explained that he did not fully comprehend the inappropriateness of his language, as English is not his first language.
Also WATCH: Bird eye view of Max Verstappen's masterclass to win 3-way battle
Despite his apology, the stewards concluded that Tsunoda's remarks constituted a breach of the code. In their official statement, the stewards acknowledged Tsunoda's honesty and apology but reinforced the unacceptability of such language.
“The driver was very apologetic”, says FIA stewards
The stewards noted, “During Q1 when car 22 was queuing in the fast lane and another car blended into the fast lane ahead of him, the driver was heard to make a statement over team radio using offensive language. The driver was very apologetic and explained that because English is not his first language, he was unaware until after the session what the meaning of the words used is in the English language.”
Also WATCH: 'Master at work' - Fans celebrate Max Verstappen's flying Qualifying Lap
Tsunoda's candidness and willingness to publicly apologize influenced the stewards' decision to suspend half of the fine. They emphasized that while Tsunoda's remorse was genuine, the language used was offensive and inappropriate for a public platform.
Also WATCH: Nico Hulkenberg's bizarre overtake on Alonso costs him five place grid drop
Following Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, which defines verbal misconduct as the use of language that is offensive, insulting, or abusive, the stewards imposed a significant fine. However, they also took into account Tsunoda's genuine remorse and his offer to issue a public apology.
Also WATCH: Charles Leclerc's magical triple overtake during sprint race in Austria
Following the incident, Tsunoda posted an apology on his Instagram account, stating, “I wanted to say big apologies for what I said on the radio today. I didn't use it intentionally and completely misunderstanding from myself the exact meaning of it. I now have a better understanding of what the word means and am very apologetic for what I said. This type of language has no place and is not tolerated, and for that, I am sorry.”