RB F1 Bags Six Points as Tsunoda Laments Ill-Timed Red Flag

RB F1 Bags Six Points as Tsunoda Laments Ill-Timed Red Flag

03/11/2024

RB F1 scored modest points, but Tsunoda believes a wet tyre strategy might have altered their outcome amid challenging conditions.

RB F1 had high hopes for significant points, starting from third and fourth positions. Yuki Tsunoda ultimately finished eighth, explaining that he maintained a cautious approach throughout the race. He believes his switch to wet tyres could have been rewarding if the race hadn’t been interrupted.

“It was tricky; the conditions were very challenging. I focused on staying on track, especially when the rain intensified. We wanted to avoid putting the car into the wall,” the Japanese driver remarked.

“I managed to hold onto third place, and then we switched to full wets, which could have worked out well without the red flag. But the other cars were quick, especially the Alpines. When the track was clear for me, I could hold them off, but when they had it clear, they pulled away.”

Tsunoda expressed disappointment that Alpine’s strategic gamble paid off, enabling them to surpass Williams, Haas, and crucially, RB F1 in the standings: “It’s a shame Pierre took third because now they’re sixth in the Constructors’, but we’ll come back stronger.”

Missed Opportunity: Could Wet Tyres Have Boosted RB F1?

Liam Lawson endured a challenging race, compromised by a spin caused by Oscar Piastri. The incident cost him three positions and detached him from the chasing pack he’d been attempting to stay with.

“I almost crashed about ten times, even in the pit lane. When I came in, I struggled to turn, heading straight for the tyre wall and just missed it,” Lawson commented. “Credit to Alpine for staying out; it’s what we should have done. But I also lost time earlier with the spin involving Piastri.”

“Each lap, from the exit of Turn 12 to the final corner, we were pushing to maximise traction. Managing the rear tyres was crucial, but being in a train of cars wore them down a bit, so it took intense focus to keep up.”

Missed Opportunity: Could Wet Tyres Have Boosted RB F1? Missed Opportunity: Could Wet Tyres Have Boosted RB F1?

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