Yuki Tsunoda fined for using ableist language over team radio during F1 Austrian GP qualifying

SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA - JUNE 29: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on June 29, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria.(Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
By Madeline Coleman
Jun 29, 2024

Yuki Tsunoda has received a hefty fine for “inappropriate comments made on team radio” during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday. According to the stewards’ decision document, the fine is €40,000 ($42,882), half of which (€20,000) is suspended for the rest of the season “on the condition that no infringement of similar nature occurs.”

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During qualifying, the RB driver was queuing in the fast lane, and another driver merged in front of him. He expressed his frustration over the radio, saying, “These guys are f—ing r—–ed.” He was later summoned by the stewards for allegedly breaking Article 12.2.1 k of the International Sporting Code.

This article focuses on “any misconduct,” which is partially defined as “the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate.”

According to the stewards’ decision document, Tsunoda “was very apologetic and explained that because English is not his first language he was unaware until after the session what the meaning of the words used is in the English language. He said that he was horrified when he learned this. He contended that his understanding of the words was different, but acknowledged that this should not be considered as an excuse for what he did.”

The stewards called the language “wholly inappropriate.” The document also stated, “Considering the circumstances, the Stewards determine that a severe fine is required, but also take into account the genuine remorse of the driver and his offer to issue a public apology and for these reasons decide to suspend part of the fine imposed.”

The FIA has become stricter about comments made by drivers and teams. In Las Vegas last fall, both Toto Wolff and Fred Vasseur were given warnings for cursing during a press conference.

In 2020, Max Verstappen used the same word and other ableist language after an incident with Lance Stroll. The two went side-by-side into Turn 1 and crashed, and the Red Bull driver was fuming over the radio.

Similar to the aftermath of Tsunoda’s comments, Formula One fans criticized Verstappen’s use of the words. The Dutchman later said that he “never meant to offend anyone.”

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After the decision was made, Tsunoda soon posted an apology on Instagram.

“Hello, I wanted to say big apologies what I said in the radio today. Obviously I didn’t use it intentionally and was completely misunderstanding from myself that exact meaning of it. I now have better understanding for what the word means and am very apologetic for what I said. This type of language has no place and is not tolerated and for that l am sorry.”

(Photo: Vince Mignott/MB Media / Getty Images)

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Madeline Coleman

Madeline Coleman is a Staff Writer for The Athletic covering Formula One. Prior to joining The Athletic, she served as a writer and editor on Sports Illustrated’s breaking and trending news team. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Follow Madeline on Twitter @mwc13_3