Yuki Tsunoda criticises Liam Lawson after 'pretty shocking' Red Bull mistake

Yuki Tsunoda has taken aim at Liam Lawson for his aggressive defence in the final stages of the first sprint qualifying segment in Austin.

As the cars peeled out of the pits for their final fast lap attempts, Tsunoda found himself at the rear of the queue and under pressure to make it around to the start/finish line in time.

As he tried to overtake Lawson through the first sector, Tsunoda was forced wide by the New Zealander.

Tsunoda failed to get to the timing line before the chequered flag was deployed, leaving him in the drop zone and consolidating a starting position for the sprint race towards the back of the field.

Asked about the incident with Lawson, Tsunoda said: “It’s more like his usual [driving]. I expect nothing more than that from him.”

Tsunoda is due to start the sprint race from 18th on the grid, meaning he has his work cut out for him if he wishes to score points in the 19-lap outing on Saturday.

The under pressure Red Bull driver labelled the team's mistake as “pretty shocking”, with the setback coming at a time when his Red Bull future is in major doubt.

“It’s more just the timing of the garage exit, it wasn’t even close,” Tsunoda said. “I don’t know what happened, to be honest.

“Something went wrong and I didn’t have the opportunity to do a lap time. A big shame.

“It’s very frustrating because it’s not in my control. We can control it, but it’s more up to them than my side.

“It’s pretty shocking.”