Tsunoda balks at SQ1 exit and labels Red Bull's communication as 'poor'

00:55, 03 May

byNorberto Mujica

Yuki Tsunoda failed to make it past SQ1 in Miami. The Japanese F1 driver blames 'an intelligent car' and Red Bull Racing for his early elimination.

So what was the issue that prevented Tsunoda from moving past the first part of the Sprint Shootout in Miami? The Japanese driver explains in conversation with F1TV.

"Some intelligent car just came out from [the] pits and broke my lap. A lot of cars cost my lap quite a lot. Even [in the] last corner, obviously, I had quite a lock up, but to be honest the lap was pretty gone already from turn one already because of the car at the exit. Just wasn't able to do a proper lap at all. So yeah, that's it."

Red Bull's poor communication also cost Tsunoda dearly

When preparing to go again, after his previous attempt had failed, Tsunoda had a chance to go again. However, Max Verstappen was ahead of him, causing Tsunoda to slow down.

The Dutchman then bolted to the pits, leaving a slow Tsunoda trying to accelerate desperately to reach the timing line before the session's clock reached zero, which he failed to do.

"I was [aware time was running out], but I could do whatever I can. What do you want me to do? I don't know, because there's a car in front. I mean, communication is pretty poor as well. Just in general, I didn't properly qualify," summerised the Japanese.