Horner blames social media for “exploiting” Tsunoda criticism

Tsunoda compromised Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen’s final qualifying laps at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez by going off the track at Turn 10.

The Japanese rookie did so after being informed by his engineer that the two Red Bulls were in close proximity, thus ensuring he didn’t ruin their final laps.

Afterwards, Horner said that Red Bull had been "Tsunoda'd", leading to backlash on social media from fans.

“I think we got Tsunoda’d,” Horner said after qualifying.

“Both drivers were up on their last lap; Max was up two and a half tenths, I think Checo was just under two-tenths up and I don’t understand why he was just cruising around at that part of the circuit.

Speaking about the incident after the race on Sunday, Horner toned down his criticism of Tsunoda.

“Look, I think in fairness to Yuki, perhaps he could have been helped a bit more with a bit more information,” he said.

“The outcome was unfortunate. Particularly as he was only there to give a tow for his teammate. But it is what it is. In the end, it worked out OK because starting on the second row worked out fine for us today.”

Horner believes he’s entitled to criticise another driver’s performance.

“I think the problem is… if you look into the context of what is said… unfortunately social media has the habit of picking certain lines and then exploiting them,” Horner added.

“I think that it’s important… it would be a pretty boring world if you were unable to comment on the performance of a driver.”