Red Bull has escaped further pain at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after the stewards decided not to punish Yuki Tsunoda for his first lap crash with Pierre Gasly.
The Japanese driver and his former AlphaTauri team-mate came together in Turn 4 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, putting the Alpine in the wall.
It was an instant retirement for the Frenchman, whilst Tsunoda tried to continue. It was a short-lived attempt, with the ailing Red Bull unable to continue after a trip back to the pits.
It triggered the only safety car intervention of the evening in Saudi Arabia, and the stewards opted to investigate the collision after the chequered flag. However, the panel deemed no further action the appropriate course to take.
Gasly did not push blame upon Tsunoda in the stewards office, with both agreeing it was a lap one incident with no party ultimately responsible.
The Reason as outlined in the official FIA document is below.
Reason outlined in FIA decision document
The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 22 (Yuki Tsunoda), the driver of Car 10 (Pierre Gasly), team representatives and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry and in-car video evidence and determined that this was a first lap racing incident.
Car 22 and Car 10 were battling for track position on the first lap. They navigated four corners without incident but collided on Turn 5.
Both parties agreed that this was a lap one incident with no party wholly or predominantly to blame. Although we considered whether this was properly a lap one incident or really an incident between two cars (and no others) on lap one.
Ultimately, given the narrow track and the fact that Car 55 was just in front of Car 22, led us to agree with the assessment of both drivers that this should be treated as a lap one incident with no further action.
Also interesting:
WATCH: FIA explain Verstappen penalty controversy as Piastri takes charge
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they dissect the fifth round of the season – the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!