Tsunoda left ‘very annoyed’ after Magnussen collision

Yuki Tsunoda was left “very annoyed” after retiring from the Chinese Grand Prix, following an unfortunate collision with Kevin Magnussen.

The Japanese driver was enduring a frustrating weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit regardless, with his side of the RB garage having struggled for pace.

Tsunoda started last Sunday’s race in P19 and had made some progress despite genuine pace woes, before he was spun by Magnussen at Turn 6 on Lap 27.

Right-rear damage – including a puncture – was clearly visible following the incident, which resulted in Tsunoda cruising his wounded VCARB 01 off the circuit.

RacingNews365 asked Tsunoda after the accident how frustrated he was given his positive progress prior to the clash.

“Yeah, I think I was pretty happy with my progress until then with my current, I would say situation with what I can do,” Tsunoda said.

“I think pretty frustrated how I ended up especially just as I gave him quite a lot of space and just ended up in a DNF so yeah, it’s pretty frustrating. Very annoyed.”

Pace struggles

Magnussen was, obviously, judged to be at fault for the accident and received a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points.

However, the Dane was able to continue in the race whilst Tsunoda watched on from the RB garage.

It summed up the 23-year-old’s worst weekend of the season, with him conceding that he just did not have his normal pace.

“10 seconds is better for sure than five seconds,” said Tsunoda. “And I think that’s the minimum penalty that they should give.

“I mean, he’s still racing and I’m not so… “I kind of right that race as a shame that I ended up finishing in the middle of the race.

“Just still lots of things to work on, I think the pace itself wasn’t also still great. I was pretty happy with how I was doing, the progress in terms, but still the pace was itself wasn’t great or what’s normal.”