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Tsunoda and Gasly Share Blame After Race-Collision in Saudi Arabia

In a dramatic twist during the 2025 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, both Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly have expressed their reluctance to accept responsibility for their unfortunate collision, which resulted in race-ending damage for each driver.

The incident unfolded on the opening lap of the race at Turn 4, where Tsunoda’s Red Bull Racing car collided with Gasly’s Alpine amid a flurry of competitive maneuvers. Notably, the race winner, Oscar Piastri, also found himself embroiled in a confrontation with Max Verstappen at the front of the pack, leading to a five-second time penalty for the seasoned Dutch driver.

The clash between Tsunoda and Gasly marked a significant moment in the early stages of the race, as both vehicles careened off the track and crashed into the barriers. Tsunoda, reflecting on the incident, emphasized that the blame was not solely his or Gasly’s. “It’s hard to blame either me or Pierre. I’ve done as much as I can to avoid it,” he stated, reiterating that he maintained control of his car while trying to avoid a collision.

He continued, “I was fully aware of my speed and not pushing too close to the car ahead, which was Carlos [Sainz]. I aimed to steer clear of Pierre in what is arguably the tightest corner on this circuit. It’s unfortunate how it all ended; while there might have been space, I personally felt there was none, so I attempted to slow down to prevent the contact.”

Gasly, who had previously secured a seventh-place finish in Bahrain, also declined to take blame for the crash. “There’s no need to say too much about it. I know Yuki; it was never intentional. Coming into Turn 4, I was in a favorable position and braked late while trying to leave adequate space on the outside. I had already passed the white line and needed to ensure my two wheels stayed within the track boundaries,” he explained.

He added, “In the end, it was just a minor touch, but it’s disappointing that it brought both our races to a halt.”

The aftermath of the collision not only marks a setback for both drivers but also serves as a reminder of the razor-thin margins that define racing at such high speeds. As the season progresses, the dynamics between these competing teams will be closely monitored, especially given their aspirations for improved performance in the remaining races.

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www.autosport.com