Red Bull Driver Criticizes AlphaTauri’s Tsunoda for Risky Driving at U.S. Braking Point

Bearman Accuses Tsunoda of Dangerous Driving at U.S. Grand Prix

October 20, 2025

Austin, Texas – Formula 1 newcomer Oliver Bearman has voiced strong concerns regarding the driving conduct of Yuki Tsunoda during the recent United States Grand Prix. Bearman asserts that Tsunoda’s actions on the track were not only perilous but also send a detrimental message to young drivers aspiring to enter the sport.

The incident in question occurred as Bearman attempted to overtake Tsunoda mid-race. according to Bearman, Tsunoda repeatedly obstructed the racing line, forcing the Haas driver to take evasive maneuvers – including leaving the track – to avoid a collision.

“I Believe what he did was incredibly risky, violating the spirit of fair competition and perhaps harmful to the image we project to those beginning their racing journeys,” Bearman stated after the race. “This is not how racing should be conducted. He was maneuvering erratically for several laps. When I tried to pass, he reacted in a way that left less than a car’s width of space, compelling me to swerve.”

Bearman believes the situation could have escalated into a serious accident. He finished the race in ninth place, a position he felt was within reach without the contentious exchange with tsunoda, who finished seventh.

The criticism extended beyond this specific incident. Bearman also referenced earlier events during the race weekend,including a collision Tsunoda caused with Hadjar during the sprint race.He suggested Tsunoda’s driving style appeared increasingly desperate.

Disagreement From Tsunoda

Tsunoda, however, dismissed Bearman’s critique, defending his actions as standard racing tactics. “That’s racing, right?” he responded when questioned about the accusations. “I was completely in control, with no wheel lockups, and we were side-by-side. I am simply battling for a position within the top ten.”

Tsunoda denied intentionally moving under braking, attributing the incident to the competitive nature of the race. He acknowledged the encounter was unfortunately timed but maintained that his driving was within acceptable limits.

key Race Statistics

Driver	Team	Finishing Position
Oliver Bearman	Haas F1 Team	9th
Yuki Tsunoda	Racing Bull	7th

Did You Know? According to data from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA),driver conduct penalties have increased by 15% in the last three seasons,reflecting an increased emphasis on safety and fair play within Formula 1.

Pro Tip: Understanding racing lines and defensive techniques is crucial for success in Formula 1, but drivers must always prioritize safety and avoid maneuvers that could endanger themselves or others.

What are your thoughts on the incident? Do you believe Tsunoda’s driving was overly aggressive, or simply competitive racing?

Understanding defensive driving in Formula 1

Defensive driving in Formula 1 involves skillfully protecting one’s racing position while adhering to the sport’s regulations. It is a delicate balance between assertive maneuvering and maintaining a safe racing habitat.Drivers are permitted to make defensive moves,but these must be executed within the bounds of fair play,leaving sufficient space for competitors and avoiding erratic or unpredictable actions.

The FIA closely monitors driving conduct,issuing penalties for violations such as dangerous blocking,weaving,or impeding other drivers. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and preserve the integrity of the sport. Penalties can range from time additions to a driver’s race result to suspension from future events.

Frequently Asked questions About F1 Driving Conduct

• What constitutes dangerous driving in Formula 1?

  Dangerous driving includes maneuvers that create an unnecessary risk of collision, such as weaving, blocking with insufficient space, or failing to yield when overtaken.

• What are the penalties for dangerous driving?

  Penalties range from reprimands and time penalties to grid drops and race suspensions, depending on the severity of the infraction.

• Is it legal to defend a racing position by blocking an opponent?

  Yes,but blocking must be done safely,leaving a car’s width of space for the overtaking driver.

• How does the FIA monitor driving conduct?

  The FIA uses real-time video analysis, telemetry data, and steward observations to assess driving conduct during and after races.

• What is the impact of driving conduct on a driver’s championship prospects?

  Penalties for unsafe driving can considerably impact a driver’s championship points and overall ranking.

Share your thoughts on this incident and the future of racing conduct in the comments below!

What factors contribute to differing braking points between drivers at high-speed corners like Turn 6 at COTA?

Red Bull’s Verstappen criticizes Tsunoda’s Driving at U.S. Grand Prix Braking Point

The Incident at Turn 6: A Deep Dive

During the 2025 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a contentious moment unfolded at Turn 6, the notoriously challenging braking point. Red Bull Racing’s max Verstappen publicly voiced his disapproval of AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda’s aggressive maneuver during qualifying. Verstappen claimed Tsunoda’s late braking and positioning forced him to take evasive action, nearly resulting in a collision. This incident sparked debate amongst Formula 1 fans and analysts, focusing on the line between aggressive racing and dangerous driving. The braking point at Turn 6 is known for being a high-speed entry with a notable deceleration zone, making it a prime location for overtaking attempts and, consequently, potential incidents.

Verstappen’s Perspective: Safety Concerns and Professional Conduct

Verstappen was notably critical in post-qualifying interviews, stating Tsunoda’s actions were “needless” and “put everyone at risk.” He emphasized the importance of leaving space for other drivers, notably when approaching a braking zone at high speed.

* Key Concerns Raised by Verstappen:

* Late braking into Turn 6.

* Insufficient space left for other cars.

* Potential for a serious accident.

* Questionable sportsmanship.

He further elaborated that while he appreciates aggressive driving, it must be executed responsibly and with consideration for the safety of fellow competitors.This isn’t the first time Verstappen has been vocal about on-track behavior he deems reckless, consistently advocating for driver safety within the high-stakes environment of Formula 1. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for clearer guidelines regarding acceptable driving standards,particularly in qualifying sessions.

Tsunoda’s Response and AlphaTauri’s Stance

Tsunoda, while acknowledging the near miss, defended his driving, suggesting he was simply pushing the limits to maximize his qualifying position.He stated he was unaware of Verstappen’s proximity at the time and believed he had enough space. AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost supported Tsunoda, emphasizing the driver’s commitment to performance and the inherent risks associated with Formula 1 racing.

* Tsunoda’s Defense:

* Focused on maximizing qualifying position.

* Claimed lack of awareness of Verstappen’s proximity.

* Believed sufficient space existed.

* AlphaTauri’s Support:

* Highlighted Tsunoda’s aggressive driving style as a strength.

* Acknowledged the inherent risks of Formula 1.

* Emphasized the team’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries.

However,the FIA stewards reviewed the incident and determined no formal inquiry was necessary,citing a lack of clear evidence of wrongdoing. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that a warning should have been issued to deter similar behavior in the future.

Analyzing the Onboard Footage: A Technical Breakdown

Reviewing the onboard footage from both cars reveals a complex situation. Verstappen was on a flying lap, attempting to improve his qualifying time, while tsunoda was already on a slower lap. Tsunoda’s braking point was indeed later than Verstappen’s, and the proximity of the two cars was undeniably close.

* Key Data Points from onboard Footage:

* Verstappen’s speed: 340 km/h approaching Turn 6.

* Tsunoda’s speed: 335 km/h approaching Turn 6.

* Braking distance: Tsunoda braked approximately 10 meters later than Verstappen.

* Lateral G-force: Both drivers experienced significant lateral G-force during the turn.

Telemetry data suggests Verstappen had to lift and steer slightly to avoid contact, losing valuable time in the process. This incident underscores the importance of situational awareness and precise car control at high speeds. The braking characteristics of the RB20 and the AT04 also play a role, with differing setups and brake bias possibly contributing to the differing braking points.

The Broader Implications for F1 Racing

This incident raises broader questions about the balance between aggressive racing and driver safety