BREAKING:Red Bull F1 star handed MAJOR FIA penalty verdict after C...read more

FIA Issues Harsh Penalty to Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda After Canadian Grand Prix Red Flag Breach.

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda has been hit with a significant penalty by the FIA following a controversial incident during Free Practice 3 (FP3) at the Canadian Grand Prix. The sanction comes after Tsunoda was found to have overtaken under red flag conditions—a serious breach of the sport’s safety regulations.

The red flag was deployed after McLaren driver Oscar Piastri clipped the wall at Turn 14, scattering debris across the track. With marshals needing a safe window to clean up the incident, the FIA issued the red flag to neutralize the session. Despite the clear signal, Tsunoda was observed overtaking Piastri during this restricted period.

The FIA promptly summoned both Tsunoda and Formula 2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto—who also overtook another car during the same red flag—for a potential violation of Appendix H, Article 2.5.4.1 b) of the International Sporting Code. This rule mandates that drivers must reduce speed and refrain from overtaking when red flags are shown.

Following the investigation, the stewards determined that Bortoleto had done everything reasonably possible to comply with the regulations and opted not to issue a penalty in his case. Tsunoda, however, was not given the same leniency.

Despite arguing that he overtook Piastri to avoid potential damage from the debris left by the McLaren, the stewards rejected Tsunoda’s explanation. They concluded that the maneuver was unjustifiable under the circumstances and handed the Japanese driver a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. In addition, Tsunoda received two penalty points on his FIA Super Licence, bringing his total to two points over the last 12 months.

The penalty capped off a difficult day for Tsunoda, who already endured a troubled FP3 session. He spent much of the practice in the garage as his Red Bull crew worked to replace his brakes, limiting his track time significantly.

Qualifying didn’t go much better for the Red Bull-backed driver. Tsunoda was eliminated in Q2 after posting the 11th fastest time. Combined with the grid penalty, this result means he will now start the Canadian Grand Prix from the back of the grid—a major setback for a driver who has been showing flashes of strong form in recent races.

Meanwhile, Bortoleto’s qualifying woes also continued, with the Brazilian failing to advance past Q1. Both drivers will now be hoping for a dramatic turnaround in fortune during Sunday’s race.