The AlphaTauri F1 team has responded to conspiracy theories about Hiroki Tsunoda’s retirement from the Dutch Grand Prix and defamation of Red Bull’s head of strategy Hanah Schmitz with a statement.
The Virtual Safety Car (VSC), triggered by Yuki Tsunoda’s retirement, has affected the rest of the race, fueling criticism on social media. VSC played against Mercedes F1’s Lewis Hamilton and George Russell and in favor of Max Verstappen.
As a result, Red Bull Racing’s head of strategy, Hannah Schmitz, has fallen prey to online abuse.
The drama began when Yuki Tsunoda, coming out of his pit stop, suspected his wheels were not installed properly.
Yuki Tsunoda was told by his engineer to stop on the track, after which he turned off the engine and prepared to exit the car. However, team data showed that the pit stop went as planned and the wheels were safely secured, so he restarted and returned to the pits, where he was favored to put on new tyres.
When Yuki Tsunoda stopped on track, he loosened his seat belt while preparing to exit the car and had to re-tighten it at an additional pit stop, which took time and attracted the attention of the stewards. rice field.
Yuki Tsunoda reported that he could still feel the same problem as soon as he exited his pit box, suggesting it may be related to his car’s differential. After leaving the pit lane, Yuki Tsunoda was instructed to find a safe parking spot, then turn off the switch and get out of the car.
The ensuing VSC allowed leader Max Verstappen to easily make a second stop to purchase new tires. Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, on the other hand, lost the advantage they had hoped had the race unfolded under normal conditions and had gone to plan without the need for a second stop.
Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton said the VSC’s timing had “ruined it” during the race, while team principal Toto Wolff later said he was “wordless” due to how Yuki Tsunoda’s situation unfolded. lost,” he said.
The entire episode looked strange on TV, but a review of in-car footage and radio conversations at the time showed that it was a simple case of the team and driver not knowing what was at stake and reacting as best they could to the unusual situation. One thing has been confirmed.
The FIA stewards investigated it immediately after the race and only warned Yuki Tsunoda for driving with his seatbelt loose.
However, a conspiracy theory between the teams of Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri quickly appeared on social media, with slander directed at Hanur Schmitz.
The AlphaTauri F1 team responded on Monday with a statement denouncing the conspiracy theory and defending Hannah Schmitz.
“I am extremely disappointed to read the words and comments directed at our team and Red Bull Racing’s Head of Strategy, Hannah Schmitz,” the statement said.
“Such hateful behavior is unacceptable, and accepting accusations of misconduct is unacceptable, untrue and completely disrespectful to both Hannah and us.”
“We have always competed independently and fairly, with the highest level of respect and sportsmanship.”
“Yuki was stopped on track because he had an injury that the team didn’t detect right away. It would be insulting and categorically wrong to suggest something different.”
Category: F1 / Alpha Tauri / red bull / F1 Dutch GP / Hiroki Tsunoda