Alex Albon has cautioned that Kevin Magnussen’s “cheeky” pass of Yuki Tsunoda during the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian GP could encourage similar moves from other drivers in the future.
Magnussen received a first 10-second penalty after contact with Albon following the safety car resumptions. With the Dane’s own race effectively ruined he then passed Yuki Tsunoda by going off track. He subsequently slowed down the following group – including Albon – in order to create a pitstop window for Haas team-mate Nico Hulkenberg up ahead. The strategy worked, as Hulkenberg was eventually able to stop without losing positions, and the German ultimately earned a priceless point for 10th.
“The other one was a bit cheeky, the other 10-second one with Yuki. I mean, you basically guarantee your teammate points for a 10-second penalty. “Why wouldn't you do that everywhere? I don't think five to 10 seconds is correct. I think it needs to be you must return the position back, and just leave it like that.” Albon has complained in the past that drivers have gained an advantage by going off track to pass him and then opening enough of a gap to negate the penalty.