Red Bull F1 Star hit with Late Demotion at Spanish Grand Prix After...read more

Yuki Tsunoda Hit with Pit-Lane Start Penalty After Late FIA Decision at Spanish Grand Prix

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda will start Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix from the pit-lane following a late ruling by the FIA. The 25-year-old endured a poor qualifying session in Barcelona, exiting in Q1 after recording the slowest lap time of all competitors.

Originally set to start from the back of the grid, Tsunoda has now been demoted further due to Red Bull making several changes to his RB21 under parc fermé conditions. The modifications, which included fitting a new rear wing, violated regulations that limit what adjustments teams can make after qualifying. As a result, the FIA has enforced a pit-lane start for the Japanese driver.

Parc fermé—French for “closed park”—refers to the period during a race weekend when cars are placed under strict conditions, preventing significant technical changes. Any breach of these restrictions, such as Red Bull’s rear wing swap, leads to automatic penalties.

Although starting from the pit-lane is generally seen as a major disadvantage, it may not drastically alter Tsunoda’s outlook, given he was already due to start from last. Still, the penalty means he will be released onto the track only after the rest of the field has taken the start, adding to the challenge ahead.

With this latest development, just 18 drivers will line up on the grid for lights out. Aston Martin had earlier confirmed that Lance Stroll would not participate in the race due to an ongoing injury, leaving two empty spots at the back of the field.

Despite the setback, Red Bull remains hopeful that the updated setup on Tsunoda’s car will give him enough pace to fight through the field. The team will rely on a smart strategy and optimal tire management to help Tsunoda recover ground in what promises to be a demanding race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.