Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda have resolved their differences following a heated incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix, as the Formula One circus heads to Saudi Arabia for the next race.
The conflict arose when Tsunoda was instructed to let Ricciardo, who had an advantage with his tires, pass him.
The situation escalated during the cooldown lap as Tsunoda aggressively overtook Ricciardo, prompting the Australian to call him a “f***ing helmet.”
However, the teammates have since had discussions to clear the air, with Ricciardo expressing that these talks have left the team in a stronger position.
Ricciardo emphasized the importance of addressing both the team orders and the aggressive move on the track, stating, “It was crucial for us to discuss that, but also the in-lap, just to make it clear that, even if it’s in the heat of the moment, these things can have significant consequences.
“So we had a conversation, personally, privately, with open doors, very honestly. We left Saturday night feeling like it’s resolved.”
Ricciardo noted his restraint during the incident to avoid escalating the situation further.
This event marked the first major conflict between Ricciardo and Tsunoda since Ricciardo joined the team.
Despite this, Ricciardo commended Tsunoda for his willingness to openly discuss the matter.
Reflecting on his maturity and the importance of team unity in a competitive season, Ricciardo believes their resolution has greatly benefited the team.
“What happened at the end of the race, yes, it wasn’t ideal, but actually, two hours later, how we walked out of that meeting, I think actually put the team in a better place than it was even on Saturday morning,” Ricciardo said.
Tsunoda also shared his perspective, acknowledging his frustration with the team orders but ultimately understanding the team’s decision.
He admitted to being heated during the race but confirmed his commitment to team unity and better handling of similar situations in the future.
“We discussed it after the race with the team. We’re still unified and we’re on the same page now.
“We understand each other,” Tsunoda said, adding his readiness to comply with team orders moving forward.
This resolution highlights the professionalism and maturity within the team, ensuring that internal dynamics do not hinder their performance as they face the challenges of the Formula One season.