IMOLA, Italy (AP) — Even Max Verstappen was surprised his teammate Yuki Tsunoda was able to walk away from a heavy crash in qualifying for Formula 1's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday.
Tsunoda clipped the curb on the inside of a left-hand corner in his Red Bull car and spun into the barrier. The car rolled upside down before landing on its wheels, and the session was stopped.
Tsunoda walked away from the incident and went to the medical center.
“At first I asked (over the radio) if he’s OK, and I heard, ‘Yeah, he’s OK,’ but then I saw the replay. I’m like, ‘Jesus, is he really OK?’” Verstappen recalled. “It was a big impact, a lot of damage as well, but most important is that Yuki’s OK."
Tsunoda returned to the paddock and offered the team an apology. He said he'd been pushing too hard, too early in the qualifying session.
“I’m very frustrated (with) myself and I can only apologize to the team that I just put in a very unnecessary stressful moment until tomorrow, for the mechanics especially," Tsunoda told broadcaster Sky Sports.
The Japanese driver hadn't set a time when he crashed, so he's set to start Sunday's race in last place, assuming the car can be repaired in time.
The first session of qualifying resumed a few minutes later after the track was cleared and the barriers were examined, but was soon red-flagged again due to another crash by Alpine's Franco Colapinto, who was likewise unhurt.
Oscar Piastri took pole position for McLaren, ahead of Verstappen.
Tsunoda is in his fifth race weekend since being promoted to the main Red Bull team from Racing Bulls in March in place of Liam Lawson.
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda of Japan steers his car during the qualifying session ahead of the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix, at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, Pool)
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Themus Fulks hit a jumper with 11 seconds left to give No. 25 UCF a 73-72 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday.
Riley Kugel scored 19 points for the Knights, who held on after blowing a five-point lead with 2:22 to play. Fulks, who came in 13th in the country in assists at 6.6 per game, had 12 assists and six points.
The Bearcats had a chance to win, but Jalen Celestine's 3-pointer at the buzzer missed off the back iron.
Jamichael Stillwell added 15 points for the Knights (13-2, 2-1 Big 12), and backup big man Jeremy Foumena had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Moustapha Thiam, who transferred from UCF to Cincinnati in the offseason, was booed on every touch and finished with a career-high 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting for the Bearcats (8-8, 0-3). Jizzle James added 14 points and Baba Miller had 13.
The game was tight throughout. UCF led 33-32 at halftime and its biggest second-half lead was six points. After the Knights went ahead 71-66 with 2:22 to play, Thiam responded with a hook shot and two free throws, and Miller's layup with 30 seconds left put the Bearcats ahead 72-71.
Cincinnati shot only 3 of 19 (15.8%) from 3-point range. UCF, meanwhile, shot 57.7% from the floor and 6 of 14 from 3.
The Bearcats kept it close thanks to their defense and rebounding. Cincinnati forced 14 turnovers for 17 points and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds for 15 second-chance points.
Cincinnati: Hosts Colorado on Wednesday.
UCF: At Kansas State on Wednesday.
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Central Florida center Jeremy Foumena (0) goes up to shoot between Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) and center Moustapha Thiam, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida forward Jamichael Stillwell (4) celebrates after getting the win as Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam (52) and guard Jizzle James (2) look on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida guard Themus Fulks goes up to shoot the game-winning shot as Cincinnati forward Baba Miller (18) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)