The 21-year-old Japanese won the red flags in qualifying at Paul Ricard in Q1 when he lost control of his car on his first flying lap and spun backwards into the crash barriers.
Although Tsunoda only picked up what appeared to be minor damage to the rear of his AT02, he had to get out after unable to find a gear while attempting to get back on track.
After his serious fall in Imola, Tsunoda is now facing a back-of-the-grid start for the second time this season. It also crashed last time in Baku after hitting Q3 for the first time in 2021.
“It was my mistake in qualifying today and I want to apologize to the team,” said Tsunoda.
On the subject of matching items
“I just used too much of the yellow curb in turn one and drove out. I tried to brake as much as I could to avoid contact with the barrier, but it was like walking on ice when I was reversing.
“The impact was pretty minor, but the car has some damage. The team has to work hard tonight to prepare me for tomorrow. The best way to say thank you to the team would be to have a good race tomorrow.
On the subject of matching items
“It’s difficult to overtake here, but I’ll push as hard as possible every lap and take every opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s team-mate Pierre Gasly advanced into Q3 and qualified with a brilliant performance against both McLaren drivers and a Ferrari to secure sixth place on the grid for his home race.
“I’m really surprised to be there,” he said. “I had a bit of problems with the car all weekend. I didn’t feel so well, changed the balance with the wind conditions.
“The track layout is very different from what we have seen over the last few weekends. It was pretty difficult, we tried to improve, but we didn’t find the right thing, but we made a few changes in qualifying. I felt that this was really going in the right direction and helped us.
“It’s really positive to split the two Ferraris and also to outqualify the McLarens. That was pretty intense too. In Q3 I was relieved – the first lap time was canceled, we still have to check that.
“It’s debatable, but I just put the pressure and adrenaline up on the second try and I was really happy to put a lap together.”
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