Audi to appeal Italian GP stewards' verdict over Tsunoda restart

Audi has confirmed it will appeal the Italian Grand Prix stewards' decision to take no further action over Yuki Tsunoda's restart issue at Monza, a ruling that could have significant implications in the midfield constructors' fight.

Tsunoda crossed the line 10th, just ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto. But Audi believes the regulations were incorrectly applied after the red-flag restart, when Tsunoda's late entry into his grid box left him out of shape and forced an extra formation lap.

Why it matters:

Audi is eighth in the Constructors' Championship, five points behind Haas. With the midfield so tight, a single point from a successful appeal could prove decisive in the battle for valuable championship position.

The details:

• Audi cites Article B5.9.4 of the FIA Sporting Regulations, which states that any driver who causes an extra formation lap must start the race from the pit lane.
• Tsunoda was noted for a potential start procedure infringement, but the stewards decided no further action was necessary.
• The stewards agreed with Racing Bulls' argument that the extra lap was triggered by the Race Director's assessment of the car's position, rather than directly caused by Tsunoda.
• Audi, however, argues the rule was not applied correctly and has formally notified its intention to appeal.

What's next:

The matter now goes through the FIA appeal process, and Audi says it will not comment further until a decision is reached. If the appeal succeeds, Tsunoda could lose his 10th-place finish, handing Audi an extra point and closing the gap to Haas.