FIA chief ‘storms down pitlane’ after seeing Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 car fixed with gaffer tape

FIA technical delegate Jo bauer ‘stomped’ down the pits to speak to AlpaTauri as they tape uo Yuki Tsunoda’s wing, according to Karun Chandhok. The Sky Sports pit reporter claimed Bauer was walking towards Alpha Taurio just as Tsunoda left the pits with thick grey tape covering his DRS flap. 

The Japanese driver’s rear wing was seen stuck half open which caused him to receive the black and orange flag. This forced the team to fix the car immediately and they used three bits of tape to dramatically fix the damaged part. 

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Chandhok said: “I tell you what, Jo Bauer from the FIA has come stomping down the pitlane. Jo Bauer unfortunately got here about five seconds too late and the car had already skidded off. This may not be something the FIA are particularly happy with.”

Moments later Paul di Resta slammed Alpha Tauri’s quick fix. He said: “You can’t tape a wing like that!”

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Tsunoda was battling with Sebastian Vettel with hopes of a top-five finish before the failure. After the pitstop, the 22-year-old came out 13th and was told he could not use his DRS.

Since returning to track, the FIA has not issued any further statements in relation to the rear wing, suggesting they may believe the tape was legal. 

The result will be even more disappointing for AlphaTauri on a track they appeared to have pace on. His teammate Pierre Gasly was able to finish fifth, the best of the midfield teams behind Red Bull and Mercedes.

Tsunoda would have likely scored his best result of the season if he had finished the race, beating the seventh he scored at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Japanese driver has had a difficult start to the season with just a handful of points finishes. 

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He has only scored one point since Imola but came into the weekend ahead of teammate Gasly in the standings. It comes after Tsunoda enjoyed a great Saturday in Baku, making only his second Q3 appearance this season.

He said: “It’s been a good day, I’m really happy with that Quali. I got a bit lucky getting through to Q3, but I think the lap I did was good, especially considering it was an old set of tyres, so I’m pleased with my performance today.”

Max Verstappen went on to claim victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix from Sergio Perez in second. Charles Leclerc looked the most likely to challenge the Red Bull’s before he suffered a mechanical failure halfway through the race.