RB driver Yuki Tsunoda has been fined €40,000 by the FIA for using abusive language during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The incident occurred towards the end of Q1 when Tsunoda was overtaken in the pit lane by Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu.
Frustrated by the Chinese driver’s tricks, Tsunoda radioed to the RB race engineer and said, “These guys are really stupid.”
The derogatory comments inevitably came to the attention of FIA stewards who reviewed the incident and Tsunoda’s comments were deemed to be in breach of international sporting regulations banning offensive and inappropriate language.
Tsunoda, who was summoned to the hearing, apologized during questioning, explaining that English is not his native language and that he did not fully understand the meaning of the insult.
However, the referee showed a firm attitude, acknowledging his honesty but emphasizing the seriousness of the illegal act.
“During Round 1, when the No. 22 car was lined up in the fast lane and another car cut into the fast lane in front of it, the driver was heard using offensive language on the team radio,” the umpire wrote.
“During the hearing, the driver was very apologetic and explained that because English is not his native language, he did not know what the English words meant until the end of the session.
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“He said he was horrified when he found out. He claimed his understanding of the words was different, but admitted that this should not be taken as an excuse for what he did.
“The manager appreciates the driver’s honesty but would like to emphasize that the language used was offensive and completely inappropriate.
“The use of such words on a platform available to the public constitutes an offense as defined in Article 20 of the International Covenant on Sport.”
Taking into account Tsunoda’s reflection and offer of a public apology, the referees imposed a fine of €40,000, half of which will be suspended until the end of the 2024 season, provided there are no further infractions.
An official said, “Considering the situation, we decided that a severe fine was necessary, but considering the driver’s sincere remorse and offer of a public apology, we decided to suspend part of the fine imposed.” Added.
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That evening, Tsunoda expressed his regret on Instagram.
“I wanted to make a big apology. [for] This is what I said on the radio today. “Obviously I didn’t use it intentionally and I completely misunderstood its exact meaning from myself,” he said.
“Now I understand better what those words mean and I am very sorry for what I said. “This kind of language has no place and is not tolerated, and I am sorry,” he said.
Tsunoda will start the Austrian Grand Prix from 14th on the grid, having failed to qualify for Q2.
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