close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB ES-MX US
Tsunoda "bullied" by FIA in safety car confusion

Tsunoda "bullied" by FIA in safety car confusion

Tsunoda "bullied" by FIA in safety car confusion

Tsunoda "bullied" by FIA in safety car confusion

Yuki Tsunoda has claimed he "got a bit bullied by the FIA" after a bizarre safety car ruling ensured he finished last at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

The Japanese driver was sandwiched between the two Williams drivers during the late-race safety car period after pitting for fresh tyres and had the chance to fight in the midfield.

But unlike Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi, Tsunoda was not allowed to unlap himself ahead of the restart, leaving him all alone one lap down and forced to pull aside to allow the train past.

The confusion meant fingers were immediately pointed at the FIA, not least after the safety car controversy involving lapped cars at last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"Normally you can go past the safety car," said AlphaTauri driver Tsunoda.

"I got told you have to stay in the line and normally, the safety car was lining up the green light which means lapped cars can go past. Somehow, I couldn't.

"I got a bit bullied by the FIA."

F1's governing body confirmed that all systems functioned as expected, but that the situation was caused by "idiosyncrasies" of the circuit.

It was revealed that Tsunoda was a lap down at the commencement of the safety car but having gone through the pits, and therefore allowed to drive faster due to the unique layout at Interlagos, he had actually unlapped himself across the first safety car line, before being relapped.

This meant Tsuonda was therefore ineligible to unlap himself a second time and caused the confusion.

Related

Button 'amazed' by Verstappen team order own goal
São Paulo Grand Prix

Button 'amazed' by Verstappen team order own goal

  • November 16, 2022 08:00
  • 8
Alonso makes
São Paulo Grand Prix

Alonso makes "two year" Alpine claim after fiery São Paulo weekend

  • November 15, 2022 12:28
  • 1

Latest News

Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 star reveals DEPORTATION threat at Las Vegas Grand Prix

  • 16 minutes ago
Latest F1 News

FIA introduce MANDATORY rule change at Las Vegas Grand Prix

  • 1 hour ago
Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 Practice Today: Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 start times, schedule, TV channel and live stream

  • 2 hours ago
Las Vegas Grand Prix

How the Las Vegas Grand Prix was ROCKED by drain covers

  • 2 hours ago
F1 Today

F1 News Today: Hamilton FRUSTRATION revealed as seven-time champion makes LAST RACE announcement

  • Today 15:33
Las Vegas Grand Prix

F1 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today as conditions set to cause havoc

  • Today 15:16
More news

F1 Race Calendar 2024

Complete kalender 2024

Related news

More news

F1 Standings

Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Ontdek het op Google Play
x