Yuki Tsunoda’s reaction to a staggering 60-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix was nothing short of astonishment. As he chatted with Formula 1 pundit Will Buxton after Free Practice 2, Tsunoda learned of the penalty and exclaimed, “Oh, Jesus!” leaving Buxton in fits of laughter.
Max Verstappen, one of the top drivers, received a relatively moderate 10-place grid penalty for a new internal combustion engine. In stark contrast, Tsunoda’s penalty came about due to a comprehensive overhaul of his car’s power unit. This upgrade included several components: a new combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, control electronics, and exhaust. Such extensive changes exceeded the permissible allocation of PU components, resulting in Tsunoda incurring the 10-place penalty six times over.
Despite the setback, Tsunoda maintained a pragmatic perspective toward the Belgian Grand Prix, especially considering the weather forecast predicted rain. “Normally we perform well in the rain,” Tsunoda reflected, expressing his preference for wet conditions. Nevertheless, he emphasized focusing on team support roles, such as assisting his teammate Daniel with slipstreaming if necessary.
During practice, Tsunoda faced challenges with his car, identifying specific issues impacting their performance compared to other teams, including their garage counterparts. He acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “I think it was pretty difficult, especially for our side of the garage.” However, he remained hopeful about addressing these problems before the race day.
Yuki Tsunoda’s incredulous response to his unexpected 60-place grid penalty underscores the unpredictable and challenging nature of Formula 1 racing. With potential weather changes on the horizon and a commitment to team strategy, Tsunoda approaches the Belgian Grand Prix with determination and adaptability.
