Yuki Tsunoda has been punished by the FIA for using a highly offensive slur during Formula One qualifying.
The Austrian Grand Prix gets underway on Sunday afternoon as the Formula One season heads into the 11th race of 2024.
Ahead of the race, the qualifying session to determine each driver’s starting place on the gird took place after Saturday’s sprint race, which was won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
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During the session, Racing Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda was heard using highly expletive language including a slur against disabled people towards Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu.
As he emerged from the pits, Tsunoda said: “This guy is f****** re******"
Tsunoda was driving out of the pit lane to complete a qualifying lap, but felt he was being obstructed by the Chinese driver, leading to his inappropriate outburst.
The 24-year-old was immediately called by race stewards, who have handed the Japanese driver a fine of 40,000 euros (£33,900) for the offensive comment.
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Reacting to the comment, the FIA released a statement saying: “During the hearing the driver was very apologetic.
"He contended that his understanding of the words was different, but acknowledged that this should not be considered as an excuse for what he did.
"The stewards appreciate the honesty of the driver but reinforce the fact the words used are offensive and wholly inappropriate."
Tsunoda also took to social media to issue an apology for his language.
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He said: “Hello, I wanted to say big apologies what I said in the radio today. Obviously, I didn’t use it intentionally and was completely misunderstanding from myself that exact meaning of it.
“I now have better understanding for what the word means and am very apologetic for what I said. This type of language has no place and is not tolerated and for that I am sorry.”
The young driver will pay half of the fine immediately, with the other half suspended until the end of the season as the FIA considered “the genuine remorse of the driver and his offer to issue a public apology."
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Tsunoda, who is 10th in the drivers' standings, will start Sunday's race in 14th position.
Three-time world champion Verstappen will start the race in pole position, ahead of British racers Lando Norris and George Russell.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1, Austria
Ben McCrum