Tsunoda not happy with new race directors: 'Masi had more experience'

After the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari filed a double protest against Red Bull Racing, alleging that both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez crossed the line when exiting the pits. The Italian team received no reply but asked for clarity.

That clarity was provided by race director Niels Wittich in the Event Notes for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In these notes, drivers are reminded to adhere to the rules regarding the lines at the entrance and exit of the pit lane.

Adjusted rules cause confusion for Tsunoda

That rule has been changed in 2022: where drivers had to stay completely on one side of the line in the past, they are now allowed to cross the line as long as the tires do not completely cross it. Tsunoda, who was targeted for time penalties more than once for crossing the white line at the pit lane, doesn't understand anything about the changed rule.

In conversation with Motorsport.com he indicates that he no longer has confidence in the FIA. He fears that he will simply receive a penalty if he even partially crosses the line. In addition, he is not happy about the reprimand he received for hindering Kevin Magnussen in free practice in Monaco.

Tsunoda: 'Masi had more experience'

It was his fourth reprimand, and so the Japanese driver may soon face a ten-place grid penalty. This happens when a driver has five reprimands to his name. The AlphaTauri driver does not understand why some incidents, which in his opinion are much worse, are not investigated.

Tsunoda attributes the alleged inconsistency to the change in race management. He believes that Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas have a different approach to it than Michael Masi, who, according to the Japanese, "had more experience". Until he gets used to the changes, Tsunoda says it's a matter of 'surviving' and hoping he doesn't get a penalty.