Audi challenges stewards’ no further action over Tsunoda grid incident

Audi has formally notified the FIA of its intention to appeal after Yuki Tsunoda avoided a penalty for a potential starting infraction at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

The team’s motivation comes after Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th in the 53-lap race and missed out on points, while Tsunoda, making his second appearance of the season for Racing Bulls, finished 10th to claim the final point on offer.

The incident unfolded after Charles Leclerc crashed on lap two, prompting a red flag to repair barrier damage and a standing restart. Drivers were sent out for a further formation lap after Tsunoda made a late change of direction into the correct grid box when he realised he was heading for the wrong grid position.

Stewards’ explanation

The stewards’ document on the incident stated:

"Car 22 approached the grid initially heading for the left hand side of the grid, then realising he was headed for the wrong grid position, the driver changed direction and positioned his car in the correct grid box and in the correct position within the grid box."

It added: "This was verified by the stewards with video from multiple camera angles. The Race Director, in evidence, stated that it was his call, based on the behaviour of the car on the approach to the grid box, to commence an extra formation lap. He stated he was not comfortable starting the race with the car in that position."

The document said "at no time was the team advised that Race Control considered Car 22 to be the cause of the extra formation lap", and so couldn't advise Tsunoda to start from the pit lane as per Article B5.9.4 of the F1 2026 sporting regulations.

The stewards ultimately concluded that "the extra formation lap resulted from the Race Director’s assessment of the situation, rather than being directly caused by the driver of Car 22."

Audi’s response

In a statement Audi said:

"Following the Italian Grand Prix, we raised a concern regarding the application of Article B5.9.4, which requires a driver who causes an extra formation lap to enter the pit lane and resume the race from there. The stewards issued a decision of No Further Action, and we have notified our intention to appeal. As the matter is now subject to the FIA appeal process, we will not comment further at this stage."

The matter is now subject to the FIA appeal process.