At the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda was handed a significant penalty by the FIA following a breach of technical regulations, resulting in his disqualification from a session. The decision came after post-session checks revealed that Tsunoda’s car did not comply with Formula 1’s stringent standards. Though the FIA has yet to release full details, speculation suggests that the issue may involve the car’s weight or aerodynamic components. This disqualification nullified all of Tsunoda’s efforts during the session, wiping his lap times and altering his starting position drastically.
The FIA confirmed the ruling in an official statement, noting that car number 22 was not fully compliant with Article 3 of the Formula 1 Technical Regulations. This regulation encompasses various aspects of a car’s design and setup, including safety and performance factors. As a consequence, Tsunoda’s performance during the session was deemed invalid. Depending on Red Bull’s next move, he could be forced to start the race from the back of the grid or even from the pit lane, making his race significantly more challenging.
While Red Bull has not yet issued a public statement, the team is reportedly examining the FIA’s decision closely and considering a formal appeal. The timing of this setback is especially difficult for Red Bull, which is already under intense pressure from close competition with Mercedes and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. With Tsunoda now facing a major uphill battle, the team must rethink its race strategy entirely to mitigate the impact of the disqualification.
This latest development adds to what has already been a chaotic and penalty-laden weekend in Montreal. Multiple stewards’ decisions and technical infractions have disrupted team plans, and Tsunoda’s disqualification is the most severe so far. His demotion not only affects Red Bull’s prospects in the race but also intensifies ongoing conversations about the rigidity and timing of FIA penalties, particularly in relation to car compliance.
Overall, the disqualification underscores the FIA’s strict approach to enforcing technical rules, even when penalties can dramatically shift the competitive landscape. The situation serves as a reminder to all teams that even minor infractions can have major consequences. As the weekend continues, the focus will be on how Red Bull adapts and whether they will challenge the ruling, potentially setting a precedent for future interpretations of technical compliance in Formula 1.
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