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F1's Tsunoda Issues Apology Distressed by Term

Tsunoda Regrets Insult, Shocked by Word’s Impact

30/06/2024

Yuki Tsunoda has issued an apology after his unintended offensive remark during a race shocked him.

Yuki Tsunoda apologised on social media after uttering an insult during the Austrian Grand Prix.

In Q1, as Tsunoda queued in the fast lane of the pit lane, Zhou cut him off, with the RB F1 driver exclaiming, “are these guys retarded?” over the team radio.

The message was picked up by fans on social media, and the FIA launched an investigation for a violation of Article 12.2.1 K of the International Sporting Code.

This covers the use of language that may be “offensive, insulting, foul, abusive or rude and which might reasonably be considered as rude or impolite or cause offense, humiliation or be inappropriate.”

For using this insult, Tsunoda was fined 40,000 euros, with 20,000 euros suspended for the remainder of the 2024 season, provided no similar offence occurs.

As English is not his first language, he was unaware of the meaning of his comment and was “horrified” upon learning its significance, according to the stewards.

It was on social media that Tsunoda offered his own apologies.

“Hello.

“I wanted to sincerely apologise for what I said on the radio.”

“Obviously, I did not use that word intentionally and I was completely mistaken about its exact meaning.”

“I now understand better what that word means and I sincerely apologise for what I said.”

“Such language has no place and is not tolerated and I am sorry.”

F1’s Tsunoda Issues Apology, Distressed by Term. F1’s Tsunoda Issues Apology, Distressed by Term

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