Yuki Tsunoda conveyed confusion over his 10-second penalty in Formula 1‘s British Grand Prix, admitting it was “deserved” but “very harsh,” saying it felt like “two days” to take.
Tsunoda was handed the penalty for punting Oliver Bearman’s Haas off the road at Brooklands corner, having been adjudged that the Red Bull was too far back to make a move.
The FIA’s ruling concluded that it had taken into account the inclement weather conditions during the race, hence why only a singular penalty point was also imposed.
But Tsunoda, whilst acknowledging he was the guilty party, felt the the length of the time in the penalty was unfair.
“I guess yeah, I mean, I deserved the penalty,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “Yeah 10 seconds. Obviously it was, last year it was probably five seconds, so… Yeah, apparently they didn’t really make any exemption, but it is what it is.
“It was a tough afternoon out there, obviously.”
It was yet another difficult race for Tsunoda, eventually finishing outside the lead lap on the winning car for the second race in a row.
Doubling down on his opinion of the penalty, a deflated Tsunoda said that “10 seconds felt like two days”.
Team boss Christian Horner showed sympathy with Tsunoda for the clash, agreeing the 10 seconds was rather jarring, concluding had there been no rainfall, a points finish was on the cards.
“Yuki’s race, unfortunately, he picked up a 10-second penalty, which I thought was quite harsh,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“But it is what it is, because for me that was kind of a racing incident. His problems were the same as Max in the damp conditions. And when you’re running in dirty air, it makes it incredibly difficult.
“Again, I think in normal dry conditions he would have scored points today, but we didn’t have a normal race.”
Tsunoda: ‘I’ll do my best’ with Belgium upgrades
Tsunoda did confirm some positive news in the form of upgrades he will be given for his RB21 for the next Grand Prix in Belgium.
Whilst he will be afforded less time to make some firm assertions with them due to the hectic Sprint format at Spa-Francorchamps, Tsunoda seemed prepared to buckle down and make the most of the changes.
“At least I’m going to have upgrades next weekend,” he said. I think I’m currently two steps behind in terms of package compared to Max, so that will for sure help for next race.
“At the same time, it’s going to be a Sprint weekend, so it’s the only time I can adjust with that, you know. Floor will be my pre-practice, but I’ll do my best.”
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