Tsunoda risks losing a point for lining up in the wrong grid position at Italian GP

Things went wrong for Tsunoda at the restart of the Italian Grand Prix, following Charles Leclerc crash. The Racing Bulls driver thought he had to line up on the left side of the grid, but realised at the very last moment that he was supposed to be on the opposite side. As a result, Tsunoda was positioned crookedly in his grid slot, and an extra formation lap had to be completed before the GP could resume.

During the race it had already become clear that Tsunoda was under investigation, but a penalty had not yet followed. Immediately after the race, a document from the FIA was shared stating that the Japanese driver must report to the stewards. This concerns a violation of Article B5.9.4 of the FIA regulations – start procedure. Tsunoda must report to the stewards at 17:45 p.m. local time (16:45 UK).

If the stewards rule that Tsunoda was at fault for lining up in the wrong position—which seems likely—a hefty penalty will follow for Liam Lawson’s stand-in this weekend. In the race, such an offense would normally result in a Drive Through Penalty, but since the race has already concluded, it is converted into a 30-second time penalty.

Tsunoda will likely have to say goodbye to tenth place and the accompanying point. With that penalty, Tsunoda would drop to P14. The final point would then go to Gabriel Bortoleto.