Audi Appeals Tsunoda Decision
Audi Appeals FIA Decision Not to Penalize Yuki Tsunoda Over Italian Grand Prix Restart
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Key Points
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The restart followed a red flag caused by Charles Leclerc’s heavy crash at the Parabolica, requiring the field to complete another formation lap before the second standing start.
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Tsunoda had been drafted back into Racing Bulls for Monza because Isack Hadjar was absent, adding context to his participation in the disputed restart.
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Racing Bulls argued that Tsunoda did not occupy a false-start position under Article B5.1.1c because none of the front tyres’ contact patches extended beyond the lines defining the grid slot.
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Racing Bulls also told the stewards that drivers had been briefed that the pit-lane walls would define the restart’s limits and that roughly four metres of space remained for Tsunoda to leave his position.
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Audi said it would not comment further while the case is in the FIA appeal process, stating: “The Stewards issued a decision of No Further Action, and we have notified our intention to appeal.” Competitors had one hour after the stewards’ decision to notify their intention to appeal under Article 15.4 of the FIA International Sporting Code.
Audi has appealed the FIA stewards' decision not to penalize Yuki Tsunoda at the Italian Grand Prix, arguing that a penalty could have moved teammate Gabriel Bortoleto into the points. Reuters reported that Tsunoda finished 10th after the stewards ruled he did not cause an extra formation lap during a restart following Charles Leclerc's crash.
The dispute centers on Tsunoda's grid positioning during the restart. His car initially moved toward the wrong slot but corrected into 14th place. Autosport noted the stewards found no rule violation under Article B5.9.4, though Racing Bulls was never instructed to send him to the pit lane. Competitors had one hour to appeal the decision under FIA rules.
Why Leclerc's Crash Triggered the Contested Restart
The restart confusion stemmed from a red flag on lap 6. Charles Leclerc crashed heavily at the Parabolica, forcing the field to complete an additional formation lap before attempting a second standing start. The-Race explained that this extra lap became the center of the stewards' investigation into whether Tsunoda caused the delay through improper grid positioning.
Stewards Sided With Racing Bulls on Grid Position Rules
Racing Bulls argued that Tsunoda did not violate Article B5.1.1c because none of his front tyres' contact patches extended beyond the designated grid slot lines. Speedcafe reported that the team also noted drivers had been briefed that pit-lane walls would define the restart limits, and roughly four metres of space remained available for Tsunoda's position.
The stewards agreed, citing his final position in 14th, the lack of interference with other drivers, and the fact that Racing Bulls was not ordered to send him to the pit lane. GrandePremio noted that this decision left Audi's Bortoleto stranded outside the points in 11th place, motivating the team's appeal.
Audi's Points Opportunity Drives the Appeal
Audi stated: "The Stewards issued a decision of No Further Action, and we have notified our intention to appeal." The team declined further comment while the case proceeds through the FIA appeal process. A penalty against Tsunoda could have moved Bortoleto from 11th into the top 10 scoring positions, making this more than a technical dispute.
Tsunoda's presence at Monza added context to the situation. GrandePremio reported that he was drafted back into Racing Bulls after Isack Hadjar was absent, making his grid positioning during the restart particularly scrutinized by the appeal process.
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