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FIA Clears Tsunoda and Gasly in Saudi GP First-Lap Collision

The opening-lap crash at Turn 4, which ended both drivers' races and prompted the race's only safety car, was ruled a racing incident with no penalties issued.

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Overview

  • Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly collided at Turn 4 on the first lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, forcing both drivers to retire early.
  • The crash triggered the sole safety car deployment of the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its narrow and challenging layout.
  • FIA stewards reviewed the incident post-race and determined it to be a first-lap racing incident with no driver predominantly at fault, issuing no penalties.
  • Both Tsunoda and Gasly expressed disappointment but denied responsibility, describing the contact as unavoidable given the track's tight confines.
  • The incident highlights the intensity of opening-lap battles, with Max Verstappen also receiving a five-second penalty for a separate clash with Oscar Piastri.