Particle.news
Download on the App Store

FIA Hands Tsunoda 55-Place Penalties, Forcing Pit-Lane Start in Las Vegas

An FIA decision cited unauthorized power-unit and rear-wing changes under parc fermé, triggering a pit-lane start for Car 22.

Overview

  • The FIA decision document tallied 55 grid-place penalties for multiple power-unit element changes, with 10-place penalties per part and 5 for the exhaust.
  • Because the components were changed without permission and the car ran a different-spec rear wing and altered suspension under parc fermé, regulations required a pit-lane start under Article 42.3(d).
  • After qualifying 19th in wet conditions, Red Bull accepted the penalties as a pragmatic move given the limited net loss in starting position.
  • Tsunoda started from the pit lane and finished classified 12th following the post-race disqualifications of both McLaren drivers.
  • Red Bull said a tyre-pressure error caused his Q1 exit, and an early stop on lap one prevented him from capitalising on a subsequent Virtual Safety Car.