Tsunoda lost in translation: These guys are f@cking ret@rded

During a tense Qualifying session at Red Bull Ring on Saturday, while queuing in the pits Tsunoda unleashed his frustration over the VCARB team radio at Stake F1 driver Zhou Guanyu when he blurted out: "These guys are f@cking ret@rded."

The 'clip' went viral on social media and also caught the attention of the FIA-appointed Race Stewards in Austria, who summoned Tsunoda who was referred to the FIA's International Sporting Code. After the 'chat' with the Japanese driver the officials found:

"During the hearing, the driver was very apologetic. He contended that his understanding of the words was different, but acknowledged that this should not be considered as an excuse for what he did. The stewards appreciate the honesty of the driver but reinforce the fact the words used are offensive and wholly inappropriate."

Tsunoda's 'genuine remorse coupled with his commitment to issuing a public apology' meant FIA Stewards suspended half of the fine until the end of the season.

Later, 24-year-old Tsunoda wrote on X:

Outqualified by VCARB teammate Daniel Ricciardo (P11) on Saturday at Red Bull Ring, Tsunoda will line up in P14 for the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday,

Of the rest of his Qualy session and the plan for the GP, Tsunoda said in the VCARB team report: “After the Sprint this morning, we still needed to find more performance, but at the same time, we weren’t in a bad position. I think there was the pace to make it to Q3 this afternoon, but I wasn’t able to put it all together, so it’s my bad.

"The team pushed hard and did a good job because we used all the data we gathered to make the best car out of all the previous sessions. The setup was good, so it’s my fault and a big shame. We’ll push and hopefully finish in the top ten," added Tsunoda, who makes his 74the Grand Prix start on Sunday.

VCARB have confirmed Tsunoida for 2025, but the identity of his teammate is not yet known.