FIA confirms F1 star hit by 20-place grid penalty....

FIA confirms F1 star hit by 20-place grid penalty….read more

The FIA has confirmed that Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda will receive a 20-place grid penalty ahead of Sunday’s race, following a rough weekend that included a dramatic crash during qualifying. The Japanese driver, currently racing under the Red Bull umbrella with RB (formerly AlphaTauri), endured a challenging day at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola that now sees him at the back of the grid for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

During Saturday’s qualifying session, Tsunoda was involved in a major accident that stunned fans and teams alike. While pushing hard for a solid position on the starting grid, he lost control of his car at high speed, resulting in a terrifying crash that sent his vehicle tumbling into the barriers. The impact was severe enough to flip the car upside down, triggering immediate concern for his safety.

Fortunately, Tsunoda emerged from the crash without any serious injuries. He was swiftly assessed by the medical team and subsequently declared fit to participate in Sunday’s race. Despite the scare, the 25-year-old appeared in good spirits afterward and expressed gratitude for the safety measures that helped protect him in such a violent incident.

However, the damage sustained by his car was extensive. The team was forced to conduct significant repairs, replacing major components including the power unit and gearbox. These changes, though necessary for his participation, pushed him beyond the allocated component usage for the season—an infringement that automatically triggers a penalty under FIA regulations.

As a result, the sport’s governing body confirmed a 20-place grid penalty for Tsunoda. This means he will start Sunday’s race from the very back of the grid, a severe blow for both the driver and his team, who had been hoping for a competitive showing in front of many loyal fans.

The penalty is a consequence of exceeding the allowed number of engine-related components for the season, a rule designed to keep costs down and ensure fair play among all teams. This isn’t the first time such a penalty has been handed out, but the circumstances—combined with Tsunoda’s crash—make it especially frustrating for RB.

Tsunoda’s season so far has been a mix of promise and inconsistency. While he has demonstrated improved form and maturity compared to earlier in his career, his team has struggled to consistently deliver strong results. This setback in Imola will undoubtedly be a test of his resilience and determination.

The Japanese driver, who entered Formula 1 in 2021, has steadily built a reputation for aggressive racing and fiery team radio outbursts, but he has also made significant strides in refining his approach. Many observers have noted his improved focus and racecraft this year, as he fights not only for points but potentially for a more prominent role within the Red Bull racing structure.

Heading into Sunday’s race, Tsunoda faces an uphill battle. Starting from the back in a tightly contested midfield will be no easy task, especially on a circuit like Imola, where overtaking opportunities are limited. Nevertheless, he has vowed to push hard and make the most of whatever opportunities come his way.

Team officials have voiced their support for Tsunoda, acknowledging that while the crash and resulting penalty are setbacks, they remain confident in his ability to deliver under pressure. The focus now shifts to race day, where strategy, tire management, and a bit of luck could allow Tsunoda to salvage some points despite the difficult starting position.

As the F1 paddock braces for an action-packed race, all eyes will be on Tsunoda to see if he can turn adversity into a memorable comeback drive.