Yuki Tsunoda is under investigation by the FIA race stewards following a potential grid-box infringement during the restart at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
Restart Incident Triggers Stewards’ Inquiry
The investigation centers on the lap 6 restart, which followed a red flag period triggered by Charles Leclerc’s accident on lap 2. As Tsunoda lined up for 14th position on the grid at Monza, he appeared to stop outside his designated grid box. Race control flagged the potential breach immediately, but the stewards deferred their decision until after the race.
Tsunoda and his Racing Bulls team have been summoned to the stewards’ office for an alleged breach of Article B5.9.4 of the FIA F1 Regulations – Start Procedure infringement at 15:41.
Strong Race Result Amid Uncertainty
Despite the looming investigation, Tsunoda delivered a strong performance at Monza’s high-speed circuit. He secured his first championship point of the season with a tenth-place finish in just his second Grand Prix appearance of the campaign. His Racing Bulls teammate, Arvid Lindblad, finished eighth after an extended slipstreaming battle in the competitive midfield.
Tsunoda Returns as Reserve Driver Stand-In
Tsunoda lost his full-time race seat at the end of the previous season and moved into a Red Bull reserve driver role. He returned to his former team, Racing Bulls, to deputize for Liam Lawson. Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing to replace the injured Isack Hadjar.
Driver’s Perspective on the Grid Incident
Speaking after the race, Tsunoda offered his view on the restart procedure.
“I was a bit confused starting between 14 and 15,” Tsunoda explained. “In my view, I didn’t really gain the position before the red flag. I thought I was 15th.
“But at least I parked behind the box, pretty far, so I don’t think I gained any advantage for that. So let’s see. I hope everything is okay.”
