Liam Lawson Dismisses Yuki Tsunoda's 'Angry' Qualifying Complaint

Liam Lawson has dismissed Yuki Tsunoda's claims of being intentionally impeded during United States Grand Prix qualifying, a heated exchange that saw both drivers eliminated in Q2. Tsunoda accused Lawson of disturbing his hot lap at Turn 11, potentially costing him a Q3 spot, while Lawson stated he was unaware of any obstruction and was focused on his own performance.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the intense pressure and tight margins in F1 qualifying, where even minor on-track interactions can have significant consequences for a driver's session. For both Tsunoda and Lawson, who are vying for future seats and establishing their worth in the Red Bull ecosystem, these perceived slights and performances are magnified, creating tension between teammates.

The Details:

• The Incident: During Q2, Tsunoda was on a flying lap when he encountered Lawson, who was not on a hot lap, at Turn 11. Tsunoda immediately voiced his frustration over the radio, claiming Lawson "disturbed me on purpose."
• Tsunoda's Frustration: He told media he saw Lawson going "very, very slow until [Turn] 11, kind of waiting for me in the middle of the corner," and believed it cost him a Q3 opportunity. Tsunoda qualified 13th, just over a tenth slower than Lawson, who starts 12th.
• Recurring Issue: This was not the first time Tsunoda has taken issue with Lawson's on-track behavior. They had an encounter during Sprint Qualifying on Friday, and Tsunoda revealed they had discussed similar incidents following the Italian Grand Prix. He confirmed he would raise the issue again.
• Lawson's Response: Lawson expressed bewilderment at Tsunoda's complaints, stating, "Honestly, I have absolutely no idea what he has to complain about. I don’t really remember being in front of him in qualifying today." He added, "he’s obviously angry; he can be angry, but it doesn’t bother me."
• Lawson's Own Misfortune: Despite Tsunoda's accusations, Lawson felt his own Q2 exit was due to an unexpected "big gust of wind at Turn 1" on his final lap, which "really upset the car" and prevented him from extracting the full pace of a car he felt was quick this weekend.

Between the lines:

This spat underscores the competitive nature within the AlphaTauri (Racing Bulls) team, especially with Lawson impressing during his substitute appearances. Every fraction of a second and every on-track interaction is scrutinized, and perceived slights can quickly escalate. For Tsunoda, maintaining focus and avoiding such distractions will be crucial as he aims to solidify his position, while Lawson continues to demonstrate his raw pace despite the external drama.

What's next:

Both drivers will be looking to put this incident behind them and focus on the race at the Circuit of the Americas. Their performances will continue to be closely monitored by Red Bull, particularly as driver decisions for next season loom. Resolving these internal tensions, or at least preventing them from affecting on-track performance, will be key for AlphaTauri as a whole.