Audi have notified the FIA of their “intention to appeal” against Yuki Tsunoda retaining tenth place at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Racing Bulls driver avoided a mandatory penalty despite initially aiming for the wrong grid box before a standing restart following a red flag.
Tsunoda changed direction late to find the correct spot, prompting an extra formation lap.
Clarifying The Sporting Code Rules
The F1 2026 sporting regulations dictate a pit-lane start under Article B5.9.4 for anyone causing an extra formation lap.
However, the stewards determined the race director initiated the additional tour autonomously.
Official documents confirmed: “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.”
Stewards added: “at no time was the team advised that Race Control considered Car 22 to be the cause of the extra formation lap”.
Audi Chase First Baseline Points
Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th for Audi, crossing the line just behind Tsunoda.
The team promptly contacted the governing body after officials opted against any sanctions.
An Audi statement 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.”
If the governing body upholds this challenge, a retroactive time penalty would promote Bortoleto and reshape the constructors’ standings before the next championship round.
