Tsunoda was requested to let Ricciardo previous within the closing laps because the Australian was on contemporary smooth tyres, and probably ready to problem the automobiles forward.
Tsunoda queried the decision and was reluctant to conform, however he ultimately did. He was then annoyed to see that Ricciardo didn’t make any additional progress.
After the flag he made his emotions clear by passing Ricciardo and swerving in the direction of him.
Group principal Laurent Mekies tried to calm issues down by getting the drivers collectively and speaking by means of what had transpired.
Ricciardo says that the immediate motion has left the staff in a stronger place than it was beforehand because the air was rapidly cleared.
“What occurred on the finish of the race, sure, it wasn’t nice,” he stated. “However really then two hours later, how we walked out of that assembly, I believe really that put the staff in a greater place than it was even Saturday morning.
Yuki Tsunoda, RB F1 Group
Photograph by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
“I believe the race scenario is one thing that clearly sort of occurred, drivers by no means like staff orders. So a driver possibly does not react immediately, prefer it’s not the primary time that is ever occurred. So I believe that was all fairly clear.
“I believe it was necessary for us to speak about that, however then additionally the in-lap, simply to sort of be clear that even when it is warmth of the second, this stuff can have greater penalties.
“So we talked, personally, privately, doorways closed, very brazenly, transparently. So it was the best factor for us to do. And we left Saturday night time, feeling prefer it’s accomplished.”
Requested by Motorsport.com if it was the primary time there had been stress with Tsunoda since they turned team-mates within the second half of 2023 Ricciardo stated: “We solely had just a few races, however I believe it was all fairly easy final 12 months.
“I say final 12 months as if ‘Okay, nicely, this 12 months, there’s going to be issues.’ Clearly, there was that little factor on the weekend.
“However I believe if we did not deal with it, and he sort of stomped off and left the observe and no matter, then okay, you’d say, alright, this is a matter. However I believe we have been each very keen to sit down in a room collectively and simply speak it by means of. So I believe that was necessary.”
Daniel Ricciardo, RB F1 Group
Photograph by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
Ricciardo admitted Tsunoda’s transfer on the in-lap got here as a shock.
“It did, and that is why clearly I got here on the radio,” he stated. “And yeah, I used to be like, ‘Alright, what the hell’s happening right here?’ I stated just a few issues, however I attempted to additionally cease myself, as a result of I do know every thing will get broadcast!
“And I knew it was one thing that we’d talk about as soon as the helmets are off, and possibly the center charges come down just a little. However I believe the staff dealt with it very well after the race, by way of getting us collectively, ensuring that nothing was left on the desk.
“We left that room feeling like there was no extra any sides or emotions of like, I received exhausting accomplished by, or there is a little bit of animosity, like none of that. So yeah, it is also race one, so you possibly can’t have any of this. So I believe the staff dealt with us very nicely after it.”
Ricciardo agreed that the scenario mirrored nicely on the brand new management of the staff below Mekies and CEO Peter Bayer.
“Truthfully, I used to be curious to see the way it was going be handled,” he stated. “As a result of it is a type of ones the place as race automotive drivers we’re cussed. And typically like, ‘Ah, screw this, I am simply strolling away, they usually’ll take care of it.’
“However I believe the truth that we received introduced right into a room and simply talked about it, and it was very calm, it was very composed, it was no pointing fingers. It was simply, let’s discuss this.
“So we all know that once we depart this room, we really feel lots higher about it and know that we go to Saudi with completely no hangover or no matter from this little incident. In order that was good.
“Clearly, I knew we might get requested questions on it. However actually, since Saturday night time, we’ve not talked any extra about it.”
