Tsunoda “couldn’t do anything” to avoid impeding Red Bulls in F1 qualifying

Tsunoda ran wide at Turn 11 on an in-lap during the dying stages of Q3 with Perez and Verstappen circulating just behind him.

The Japanese rookie’s moment saw Perez run wide shortly after at the very same corner while Verstappen backed off from his final attempt.

The incident cost Red Bull a shot at toppling Valtteri Bottas’ impressive pole time, leading to team boss Christian Horner to openly criticise Tsunoda after the session.

Explaining what happened, Tsunoda said: “I didn't mess up the Red Bull. Just a mistake by themselves. I don't know about Max? Did I hold up Max as well?”

Tsunoda was then shown the footage of the final stages of Q3, where he then replied: “I went outside and I couldn't do anything more than that one. I mean, I don't know, where should I go there?”

Reflecting on the incident further, Tsunoda felt that he hadn’t done anything wrong but wanted to discuss it with the senior Red Bull management.

“I had a countdown, but I was in sector two. I don't know. If I had another chance I'd do the same thing. I don't know what should I do? Do you think I did wrong thing?

“I'll have to discuss with Red Bull, but I don't think I did anything wrong.”

It was another encouraging display from Tsunoda as he progressed into Q3 again, although he will be forced to start from the back of the grid after taking a fresh power unit for this weekend.

Tsunoda was generally pleased with his qualifying performance in Mexico.

“Yeah, the main point is I want to you start ahead of the guys who have penalties, and I achieved that target, so I'm quite happy,” he added.

“And mainly for helping my teammate for the tow. So I'm quite happy for today's job.”