Yuki Tsunoda Accuses Liam Lawson of Deliberate Interference in Qualifying

Yuki Tsunoda believes Liam Lawson deliberately impeded his qualifying lap, asserting that Lawson was "waiting" for him on track. This incident marks the latest in a series of frustrations between the two drivers.

Why it matters:

The ongoing tension between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, both within the Red Bull driver pool, highlights the intense competition for track position and ultimately, for a coveted full-time F1 seat. Such incidents can create internal team friction and impact overall team performance, especially as both drivers aim to prove their worth.

The Details:

• Qualifying Incident: During qualifying, Tsunoda accused Lawson of driving "very, very slow in Turn 11, kind of waiting for me in the middle of the corner," forcing Tsunoda into dirty air and compromising his lap.
• Further Obstruction: Tsunoda's Q2 was further hampered by an Alpine, which he felt was a "much bigger" disruption and ultimately cost him a spot in Q3.
• Recurring Friction: This isn't the first clash between the two. Tsunoda previously criticized Lawson during sprint qualifying on Friday for a similar battle over track position.
• Monza Flashback: The pair also made contact at the Italian Grand Prix, an incident that left Tsunoda frustrated after missing out on points.
• Tsunoda's Stance: Tsunoda plans to address the latest incident with Lawson, stating, "I have to always be careful, that's it," indicating a perceived pattern of behavior.

Looking Ahead:

Despite the tensions, both drivers are set to start the US Grand Prix close on the grid, with Lawson in 12th and Tsunoda in 13th. Their on-track proximity could lead to further incidents, or perhaps, a more cautious approach.

• The rivalry will undoubtedly be closely watched by Red Bull management, as both drivers are contenders for future roles within the Red Bull family of teams.
• How they manage this rivalry will be crucial for their careers and for team cohesion going forward.