Tsunoda Criticizes Red Bull’s Strategy and Team Orders at Bahrain GP

In the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda expressed dissatisfaction with Red Bull Racing’s strategic decisions and implementation of team orders. Tsunoda, initially poised for a top 10 finish at the Bahrain International Circuit, saw his race trajectory altered after a late pit stop, dropping him down the order behind Zhou Guanyu and Kevin Magnussen.

Despite being unable to pass Magnussen on track, Tsunoda found himself under pressure from teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who was equipped with fresher soft tires. Red Bull instructed Tsunoda to yield to Ricciardo, a command initially met with resistance before compliance.

“I think strategy didn’t work as well,” he said. “I was in the points, driving well and suddenly I dropped to the back of the points. We have to review what’s happened there. I think it has happened before to be honest.”

“Well we are fighting outside of the points anyway – P13, P14. I was just overtaking Magnussen, side-by-side, then I was told ‘swap the car’ in the first few laps. To be honest, it’s hard to understand.”

Both drivers, however, failed to advance their positions, with Ricciardo finishing in 13th place. Tsunoda, in his post-race remarks, criticized the team’s strategy and the timing of team orders, questioning the logic behind the decisions made.

“Maybe there was some thoughts on their mind. I have to understand. In the end he didn’t overtake as well.”

Ricciardo disclosed that the possibility of team orders was discussed prior to the race, considering his advantage on fresher tires towards the end. However, he expressed disappointment in the timing of the decision and its execution, suggesting it came too late to be effective.

“So I was on new softs, he was on the hard,” he added. “This is something we talk about before the race. We are in the strategy meetings together – there’s no secrets. It was quite clear there was a very good chance I’d be finishing the race on a better tyre. If I was coming on a speed advantage then the call would happen.

“It happened too late. I think we got the call close enough but then the reaction was too late. “

“With a few laps to go, we lose a few precious laps and then we’re fighting, then every lap I am losing a bit more of my tyre.”

“I was a bit disappointed in that but as far as I aware the team made the call so it’s up to Yuki to move over.”

The controversy highlights tensions within the Red Bull team regarding race strategy and the implementation of team directives, adding intrigue to the unfolding Formula 1 season.