The RB Formula 1 team plans to engage in discussions with the FIA regarding the “unsportsmanlike” strategies that aided Haas in securing a point during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Yuki Tsunoda, who initially started in the top 10, fell behind the Haas drivers after RB took advantage of a Safety Car situation on Lap 7 to make a pit stop for fresh Hard tires. On the restart, Kevin Magnussen overtook Tsunoda outside of the track limits and later made contact with Alex Albon, resulting in two separate 10-second time penalties. As a result, Magnussen drove at a slower pace, allowing his teammate to create a significant gap and maintain track position. Nico Hulkenberg ultimately finished in 11th place, which became 10th after Sauber pitted Guanyu Zhou, earning Haas their first point since Singapore in September. Tsunoda acknowledges that it was his mistake to let Magnussen pass him on older tires but believes it was “unfair” how this incident affected his race. Despite his frustration, Tsunoda recognizes that F1 is a team sport and acknowledges that Magnussen did well for Haas given the circumstances. However, RB team boss Laurent Mekies was displeased with Haas’ actions, arguing that Magnussen’s infractions rendered penalties meaningless and ruined Tsunoda’s race, as he was contending for a potential 10th place finish.
The new Sporting Director of RB, Alan Permane, agreed with Mekies’ remarks and indicated that the team based in Faenza intends to have discussions with the FIA.
“Magnussen intentionally veered off the track in order to position himself ahead of Yuki and then deliberately slowed him down by as much as two seconds per lap. This allowed Hulkenberg, who had not yet made a pit stop, to create a gap and ultimately pit ahead of all the cars trailing behind,” Permane stated.
“In my opinion, this does not seem right and is a clear example of unsportsmanlike conduct. I am confident that we, along with other teams, will address this matter with the FIA for future races.”
Meanwhile, Tsunoda also expressed his dissatisfaction with Magnussen’s aggressive defense at the exit of Turn 2, which resulted in Esteban Ocon seizing the opportunity to overtake the Japanese driver.
“In order to score points, you do whatever you can to maintain your position,” he explained.
“It was quite dangerous, and we nearly collided at Turn 2. I have to acknowledge that it wasn’t fair, but I have to understand it.”
Tsunoda had performed exceptionally well in qualifying, securing RB’s first appearance in Q3. However, he lamented that this success did not translate into the race as both he and teammate Daniel Ricciardo regressed.
“Right from the start, we struggled with the pace. I had very little grip, and it was challenging to even stay on the track,” he expressed.