F1
Yuki Tsunoda Fined €40,000 for Ableist Slur During Austrian GP Qualifying
Yuki Tsunoda faces a €40,000 fine for making an offensive comment about other drivers during a team radio exchange in qualifying.
Yuki Tsunoda received a partially suspended fine of €40,000 for making an ableist remark over the team radio during the qualifying session of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix.
The FIA stewards called in Tsunoda for using offensive language about other drivers during the qualifying session. They determined that the RB driver had violated Article 12.2.1k of the International Sporting Code due to the "inappropriate comments made on team radio."
Tsunoda is required to pay €20,000 immediately, with the remaining amount being deferred provided he does not commit another offense for the rest of 2024.
Following a pitlane overtake by Sauber's Zhou Guanyu at the conclusion of Q1 at the Red Bull Ring, Tsunoda seemed to exclaim over team radio, "these guys are f***ing retarded."
The officials reported that Tsunoda was "extremely sorry" and felt "shocked" when he understood the implications of his language.
Yuki Tsunoda issued an apology on social media, stating, "Hi everyone, I want to sincerely apologize for what I said on the radio today. I didn't use the term intentionally and completely misunderstood its meaning. I've since learned what the word truly signifies and deeply regret my choice of language. Such language is unacceptable and should not be tolerated, and for that, I am truly sorry."
The officials noted that they considered Tsunoda's honesty and regret when determining his punishment.
The complete decision from the stewards:
"While Car 22 was waiting in the fast lane during Q1, another vehicle merged into the fast lane ahead of it. The driver of Car 22 was recorded on team radio using inappropriate language.
At the hearing, the driver expressed deep regret, explaining that his limited proficiency in English led to his misunderstanding of the words' meanings until after the session. He was shocked upon discovering their true significance. While he argued that he had interpreted the words differently, he admitted that this misinterpretation does not excuse his actions.
The Stewards acknowledge the driver's honesty but emphasize that the language used is offensive and completely unsuitable. Using such expressions on a publicly accessible platform constitutes misconduct according to Article 20 of the International Sporting Code. Given the situation, the Stewards conclude that a significant fine is necessary. However, they also consider the driver's sincere regret and his willingness to make a public apology, leading them to decide to suspend a portion of the imposed fine.
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