AlphaTauri condemn "insulting" conspiracy theories; defend Red Bull strategist

Ewan Gale
Monday 5 September 2022 18:46

AlphaTauri has released a strong defence of its team and Red Bull head of strategy Hannah Schmitz after social media abuse.

Yuki Tsunoda retired from the Dutch Grand Prix in mysterious circumstances, first complaining of a loose wheel when pulling to the side of the circuit on lap 45 before continuing back to the pits.

After a pit stop of over half a minute to check the car, fit new tyres and refasten his seatbelts, Tsunoda retired four corners later with a terminal issue.

But corners of social media have accused parent team Red Bull of using Tsunoda to trigger a safety car period and manufacturer Max Verstappen's victory, allowing the Dutchman to pit and re-enter the track ahead of Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Schmitz and AlphaTauri were the two parties in the firing line, with the Faenza-based outfit releasing a statement on the matter.

It read: "It is incredibly disheartening to read some of the language and comments directed at our team and towards Red Bull Racing's head of strategy, Hannah Schmitz.

"Such hateful behaviour cannot be tolerated and to entertain accusations of foul play is unacceptable, untrue and completely disrespectful towards both Hannah and us.

"We have always competed independently, fairly and with the highest levels of respect and sportsmanship.

"Yuki had a failure that the team didn't immediately detect which caused him to stop on track.

"To suggest anything different is insulting and categorically incorrect."

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— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) September 5, 2022