Yuki Tsunoda hit with 10-place grid penalty for red flag infringement at Canadian GP
MONTREAL -- Yuki Tsunoda Receives 10-Place Grid Penalty for Red Flag Overtake
Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda has been handed a 10-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix after overtaking Oscar Piastri's damaged McLaren under red flag conditions during final practice on Saturday.
The Incident: Wall of Champions Strikes Again
The incident occurred after Piastri, the current championship leader, made contact with the treacherous Wall of Champions, a legendary hotspot for incidents at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The collision left the McLaren with a puncture and suspension damage, scattering debris across the track. Officials immediately waved the red flag, halting the session as a safety measure. Under these conditions, drivers are required to return to the pit lane without overtaking one another.
However, as the cars funneled toward the pit entry on the backstraight, Tsunoda passed the slowed McLaren, despite visible damage to the vehicle. A stewards' investigation concluded Tsunoda’s maneuver breached the regulations and did not accept his reasoning for the move.
Stewards' Investigation and Rationale
According to the stewards' report, Tsunoda cited safety concerns as his rationale for passing Piastri. "He said that he was worried that he might be struck by debris from Car 81 and decided to overtake," the report stated.
Data obtained by the stewards showed Tsunoda’s Red Bull traveling at 171 km/h when he passed Piastri’s car, which was moving at a significantly reduced pace of 86 km/h. Despite the discrepancy in speeds and the apparent damage to Piastri’s car, the stewards determined Tsunoda could have safely followed at a distance.
"The circumstances were such that there was no justifiable reason for the driver of Car 22 to have overtaken Car 81," the ruling stated.
Challenges Continue for Tsunoda
This penalty adds another blow to what has been a challenging period for Tsunoda since his much-anticipated promotion from the junior Racing Bulls team to Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix in April. Since making the step up to the senior squad, the 23-year-old has managed to score just four points and has struggled to make a significant impact in his new role.
The grid drop ensures Tsunoda will face an uphill battle in Sunday's race as he attempts to turn around his fortunes and claw back some ground in the standings.
Oscar Piastri: Bouncing Back
Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, whose remarkable consistency has kept him atop the points table, will look to bounce back after the incident heading into the race. His championship lead remains intact, and he will aim to rebuild momentum on race day.
Canadian Grand Prix: More Drama Ahead
The Canadian Grand Prix is shaping up to be another dramatic chapter in an already intense Formula 1 season.
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