Following Kimi Antonelli’s victory at the Italian Grand Prix, Audi will formally appeal the stewards’ decision to clear Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda of a starting infringement.
Tsunoda finished 10th at Monza after an aborted restart sequence. Race director Rui Marques ordered an extra formation lap when the Japanese driver initially aimed for the wrong grid slot.
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto finished directly behind in 11th. The German manufacturer previously notified the governing body of an impending challenge and has now committed to a full hearing.
FIA Regulatory Flaws Exposed
Article B5.9.4 dictates that any competitor causing an extra formation lap must start from the pitlane. However, Racing Bulls successfully argued they were never notified that race control blamed their driver.
The Race confirmed stewards ruled the delay “resulted from the race director’s assessment of the situation” rather than Tsunoda himself.
Stewards added that the team had “in our determination, no reason to instruct its driver to enter and start from the pitlane”.
Motorsport Week noted the FIA “might wish to consider implementing a process to advise teams and drivers” during similar future incidents.
This mounting regulatory frustration highlights the political headaches complicating Tsunoda’s long-term career options, including a potential transition to IndyCar machinery.
The FIA must now set a formal date for the appeal hearing ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
