Brundle: Red Bull's radio calls to Tsunoda were 'bordering on menacing'

Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle has labeled Red Bull's team radio instructions to Yuki Tsunoda during the critical Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as "bordering on menacing," criticizing the team's approach to strategically backing up championship rival Lando Norris.

Why it matters:

Team radio strategy is a common part of F1, but Brundle's comments highlight a perceived line being crossed from tactical advice to coercive pressure. The incident occurred at a pivotal moment in the title fight between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, putting a spotlight on how far teams should go in using a second car to influence a race outcome.

The details:

• Red Bull anticipated Norris would need to pass Tsunoda after a pit stop. As the McLaren closed in, the team told Tsunoda "you know what to do" over the radio.
• Brundle argued that while strategic team play is acceptable, the phrasing and context of the messages were problematic.
• Tsunoda did not effectively delay Norris through a sequence of corners, which Brundle suggested would have been a more legitimate tactic. Instead, Tsunoda weaved on the straight, which is against regulations.
• The move ultimately forced Norris to pass off the racing line on a dirty part of the track, which led to him leaving the circuit.
• Stewards investigated both drivers: Tsunoda received a five-second penalty for forcing another driver off the track, while no further action was taken against Norris for his off-track pass, as he could not give the position back due to Charles Leclerc also passing Tsunoda.

Between the lines:

Brundle's critique extends beyond the penalty to question the culture of team orders. His description of the radio calls as "menacing" suggests a concern about the psychological pressure placed on a driver, particularly one like Tsunoda who was in his final race for the team before departing for 2026. The incident underscores the fine line between a team maximizing its assets and applying undue influence on a driver's in-race decisions.

What's next:

The debate over team radio ethics and the application of team orders is perennial in F1. This high-profile criticism from a respected figure like Brundle may prompt discussions within teams about the language and tone used in such high-pressure situations. For Tsunoda, the chapter with Red Bull is closed as he moves on, while the team prepares for a new driver lineup in 2026.