Yuki Tsunoda almost got into trouble during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last Sunday due to an incident that many failed to notice.
The AlphaTauri driver managed to secure the P7 spot after an impressive driving session. However, he was reported to the Race Director Michael Masi by the McLaren team.
Similar to what happened with Mercedes during the Spanish Grand Prix, F1 revealed a team radio broadcast between Masi and the McLaren team.
What actually happened
According to the British team, Tsunoda did not slow down on the main straight for the duration of both the yellow flags that were waved.
“So, Michael, for both incidents’ safety cars, Tsunoda did not slow down. So, a surprise it hasn’t been investigated. His is obvious Michael. He hasn’t lifted whatsoever,” the team said.
However, Masi revealed that he will not be investigating the matter as the entire grid had failed to follow the yellow flag rule.
“Quite simply for me, the entire field should be penalised for not slowing for double yellows,” Masi said.
Former F1 driver investigates
Former F1 driver, Jolyon Palmer, decided to review the incident with available data and learned that McLaren’s claims were true.
According to Palmer, Tsunoda continued driving with his foot on the gas, which proved McLaren’s accusations.
What is surprising is that even Pierre Gasly, the Japanese driver’s teammate, did the same and went on to claim podium.
What did Palmer say?
“Verstappen crashes at the final sector and you can see the divergence in speed at the end of the long straight. Lando Norris knocks off a lot of speed. 261 km/hr for Norris,” Palmer said.
“The throttle chase, the red line (Tsunoda), and the pink line (Gasly) are absolutely flat out. No lift whatsoever from Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly.
“Tsunoda’s coming past the waved yellow flags, Verstappen on the side of the road. Debris as well in the middle of the track.
“He’s coming past flat out, 321 km/hr – frightening speed. No wonder McLaren thought they should raise this to Michael Masi.”
Stewards did not take action
Fortunately for AlphaTauri, they were able to escape judgment by the stewards mainly due to the fact that many drivers on the grid did not slow down.
Penalising just two drivers would have resulted in major protests by the outfit.
However, things are expected to be more strict in Le Castellet.
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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