Brundle labels Tsunoda's 'know what to do' radio message as 'bordering on menacing'

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle has described Yuki Tsunoda's team radio message during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as "bordering on menacing," criticizing the driver's aggressive defense against Lando Norris in the championship-deciding race. Tsunoda's actions, which included forcing Norris off the track, resulted in a five-second penalty but ultimately did not prevent Norris from securing his first World Championship.

Why it matters:

The incident highlights the fine line between strategic team play and unsporting conduct in Formula 1's high-pressure moments. With the 2025 title on the line, Red Bull's attempt to use Tsunoda to aid Max Verstappen's championship bid sparked debate about the ethics of team orders and the responsibilities of drivers in supporting roles during critical races.

The details:

• During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Tsunoda was instructed by his race engineer that Lando Norris would be within DRS range shortly, to which Tsunoda replied, "I know what to do, so leave me to it."
• Brundle took issue with the tone of the communication, stating that while strategic team play is acceptable, the specific phrasing felt threatening.
• Tsunoda's subsequent defense involved weaving on the straight and ultimately forcing Norris off the track at Turn 9, a move the stewards deemed a clear breach of regulations.
• The Japanese driver received a five-second time penalty and a penalty point on his Super Licence for the maneuver.
• Brundle suggested Tsunoda could have been more effective by backing Norris up through a sequence of corners rather than employing erratic moves on the straight.

Between the lines:

The penalty and Brundle's criticism mark a contentious end to Tsunoda's current stint as a full-time F1 driver, as he moves to a reserve role for 2026. The incident also placed the stewards in a difficult position regarding Norris's off-track pass, though they ultimately ruled no further investigation was necessary, allowing his championship result to stand. This scenario underscores the immense pressure on all drivers during a title finale, where split-second decisions can have lasting reputational consequences.