Yuki Tsunoda says he expected “the opposite” of the support he received from fans on social media following Red Bull’s public criticism of his qualifying antics in Mexico.
The AlphaTauri driver was blasted by Red Bull’s senior hierarchy for ruining both of its drivers final laps in Q3 despite his obvious attempt to get out of the way by driving onto the run-off area at Turn 11.
Sergio Perez came across Tsunoda and made a small error that saw him run wide, which in-turn caused the second Red Bull of Max Verstappen to lift when he saw two cars off the circuit.
It led to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko to blame Tsunoda for its failure to secure pole position at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
When asked why Red Bull hadn’t managed to grab pole after its strong pace in practice, Horner told Sky Sports F1: “I think we got Tsunoda’d”.
Tsunoda admitted he avoided going on social media following the incident, but was surprised to learn of the widespread support from fans.
“Yeah, I mean, I was expecting a bit of the opposite so I was not watching too much social media…,” Tsunoda said, as quoted by The Race.
“But I’m happy to hear that, even though I ruined the lap for the national driver.
“Like I said [on Saturday], it was the only place to go. I did my best to not stop him. It is what it is.
“But I’m happy to hear that [many fans were on his side].”
Tsunoda had not been on a flying lap as he was playing a support role for team-mate Pierre Gasly to give him a tow along the pitstraight.
The Japanese driver had made it into Q3 but a penalty for an engine change meant he would start Sunday’s grand prix near the back of the grid.
Horner went on to backtrack from his previous criticism of Tsunoda, believing social media had played a role in “exploiting” his comments.
“Having had a chance to consider it I think in fairness to Yuki, perhaps he could have been helped a bit more with more information,” said Horner.
“But the outcome was unfortunate, particularly as he was only there to give a tow for his team-mate.”
He later added: “Unfortunately social media has a habit of picking on certain lines and then exploiting them.
“It would be a pretty boring world if you weren’t able to comment on the performance of a driver.”
Tsunoda would retire from Sunday’s race on the opening lap when trying to avoid polesitter Valtteri Bottas – who had been tipped into a spin at Turn 1 – he was launched into the air by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
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