Martin Brundle criticizes Red Bull's 'menacing' team orders to Tsunoda in Abu Dhabi

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle has criticized Red Bull's team radio communications to Yuki Tsunoda during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing them as "bordering on menacing." The calls instructed Tsunoda, who was out of title contention, to back up Max Verstappen's rivals, leading to a controversial on-track incident with Lando Norris.

Why it matters:

Team orders are a contentious but accepted part of Formula 1 strategy. However, Brundle's critique highlights the fine line between strategic instruction and undue pressure on a driver, especially one like Tsunoda who was driving his final race for the team. The incident also sparked debate over the consistency of stewarding decisions in critical championship moments.

The details:

• With the championship on the line, Red Bull strategically placed Tsunoda on hard tires to run a long stint and impede Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who were challenging Max Verstappen.
• Brundle took issue with the specific radio messages from the Red Bull pit wall, which included phrases like "you know what to do" and repeated updates on the gap to Norris.
• The execution led to a clash on the main straight, where Tsunoda weaved aggressively to block Norris, forcing the McLaren driver off the track to complete the overtake.
• Stewards investigated both drivers but only penalized Tsunoda with a five-second penalty for forcing another driver off the track. Norris was not penalized, with stewards citing guidelines that a driver forced off to avoid a collision should not be punished.

Between the lines:

Brundle's commentary suggests the team's instructions may have contributed to Tsunoda's erratic defense, which he likened to a "drunken sailor." He argued that a more subtle and regulation-compliant block in the twisty final sector would have been more effective and less controversial. The differing penalties also underscore the perennial challenge stewards face in adjudicating racing incidents where one driver's illegal move forces another into an illegal pass.

What's next:

The incident serves as a case study in the application of team orders and race control guidelines. While Tsunoda has departed the Red Bull system, the debate over clear versus coercive communication from the pit wall and the consistency of post-race penalties will continue into the new season.