Yuki Tsunoda has criticised the FIA, claiming that motorsport's global governing body are inconsistent in the way they settle disputes and apportion punishment. During the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, Tsunoda was adjudged to have impeded Kevin Magnussen, and was given his fourth reprimand of the 2022 season by the FIA, leaving him just one away from triggering a 10-place grid penalty. At last year's race in Austria, Tsunoda also received two separate penalties for not being completely inside the white line that marks the entry to the pit lane. However, the FIA appear to have slightly relaxed their restrictions on crossing the pit lane demarcation line, as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez both looked to have at least one wheel on the line when exiting the pits during last month's Monaco Grand Prix. Unlike Tsunoda in Austria, however, neither Verstappen nor Perez were penalised for doing so, prompting Tsunoda to voice his discontent at the apparent lack of consistency in officiating.
Tsunoda bemoans inconsistency
"I'm not trusting of the FIA," Tsunoda told media, including RacingNews365.com . "Every time, it's inconsistent. I already have four reprimands [this season] and last time in Monaco, I still don't know why. "It's not good to say, but other drivers were doing even worse things [than me] and they didn't have an investigation. "For me, just stick with what the regulation [says], or just the safest as possible to not get into trouble. "I don't think it's okay that Max and Checo were crossing the line in Monaco, so [that means] we can do it. I think everybody is going to be a different story, and every time is different. "I think we still have to be within the white line, which was last year's [rule]. And I don't want to get a 10-place grid penalty!"
Masi had more experience, says Tsunoda
F1 has a new pair of Race Directors for 2022, with Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich sharing the role following the removal of Michael Masi after the controversial ending to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Though some within the F1 paddock had called very vocally for Masi's dismissal after Abu Dhabi, Tsunoda said there was greater clarity on certain rules under the Australian's leadership. "[Masi] tried to be consistent and fair as much as possible. For example, white lines and track limits were clearer," Tsunoda added. "[In terms of] racing incidents or traffic management, Michael Masi had more experience. "[Freitas and Wittich] need more time to get used to it or have more experience to make good rules. "Until then, I just have to survive and not get a penalty!"
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