“5 seconds penalty”- Fans get flashbacks as Max Verstappen violates track limits while racing against Yuki Tsunoda on Honda Racing Thanks Day 2022
Follow Us
Max Verstappen apparently violates track limits while karting against Yuki Tsunoda
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda recently took part in the Honda Racing Thanks Day 2022, the annual event held by the automotive giant in a bid to appreciate the consistent support given by the fans. The event was a star-studded spectacle, with virtually every single Honda-affiliated racer making their presence known. Of course, the F1 drivers were at the forefront of this spectacle, with even the 2021 Red Bull and Alpha Tauri cars being showcased for the fans.
Verstappen and Tsunoda raced against each other in go-karts, in a friendly race. But as we know, F1 drivers are always on the limit, trying to win, and so was the case here. The pair gave everything in this fight, with Yuki even going wide after the first corner. However, the 22-year-old made up the lost ground and got ahead of the Dutchman. Verstappen then tried to dive down the inside and in this attempt made contact with the Alpha Tauri driver. Max then ran wide as he struggled to keep his lead.
As Max Verstappen secured the lead, it was Tsunoda who went down the inside and seemed to have overtaken the 25-year-old. Yet the Red Bull driver drove on the edge of the track in a bid to regain his lost position, though that was not to be the case as it was the 22-year-old who emerged ahead as the video ended. Truly this race was an exciting and nail-biting display for the fans, keeping even us on the edge of our seats. A nod to the skill of Formula 1 drivers irrespective of what machinery they race in.
Fans accuse Max Verstappen of forcing Tsunoda to take avoiding action
This battle was posted on Twitter and instantly some wounds from the 2021 title fight were reopened. Fans were quick to point out the two-time world champion’s driving being similar to how he overtook Lewis Hamilton at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the move that won him his first world title. One fan compared the two incidents and tweeted, “THESE TWO CLIPS ARE CARBON COPIES, doesn’t know any other way to drive,” while also mentioning the Dutchman’s alleged driving where “Max is even forcing Yuki to take avoiding action in go kart to escape a collision.”
One user replied with a screenshot of the race, with the caption, “If I speak,” signalling how they believe Max had left no room for his rival, which forced Yuki to slow down and change his racing line in order to prevent an incident. Another flashback to the Dutchman’s apparent tactics in the sport is referred to as by his critics. One fan simply mentioned, a “5 seconds penalty” for the 25-year-old’s on-track shenanigans.
This karting event may have been just one of the many showcases done at the Honda event for the fans, but as is always the case with Formula 1, this too is surrounded by controversy. The 2021 title contention between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton is one of the most controversial title fights in the history of the sport, and despite time, some wounds are not healed. Of course, Verstappen’s drive did not do him any favors, but again this was a karting round for fans, nothing serious. Perhaps making a big deal of such an incident being the Dutchman’s only way of driving is a bit too much, but this is F1 after all.
Stay Updated!
FS Desk
(8023 Articles Published)