Audi to appeal Tsunoda's Monza penalty escape

Audi will follow through with its intention to appeal Yuki Tsunoda's lack of penalty for causing an extra formation lap at the Italian Grand Prix, Motorsport.com has learned. The German manufacturer believes the rulebook is black and white on the matter and wants the outcome overturned to promote Gabriel Bortoleto into the points.

Why it matters:

The appeal could set a precedent for how formation lap infringements are handled in the future. It also carries direct championship implications for Audi, as Bortoleto finished 11th at Monza – one spot short of a points-paying position. If Tsunoda's result is overturned, Bortoleto would be promoted to 10th.

The details:

• Tsunoda caused an extra formation lap at the start of the race after race director Rui Marques was uncomfortable with how the Japanese driver lined up in his grid box, angled toward the pit wall.
• The FIA's race stewards reviewed the incident post-race but decided not to hand Tsunoda the customary stop-and-go penalty, which would have been converted into a 30-second time penalty.
• Article B5.9.4 of the 2026 F1 sporting regulations states that any driver who causes an extra formation lap must enter the pitlane at the end of the lap and start from the pitlane exit.
• Racing Bulls argued Tsunoda was not out of his grid slot and didn't impact competitors. Marques also said he acted out of an abundance of caution, and the team was never notified that Tsunoda was the cause.
• The stewards accepted that interpretation, but Audi quickly lodged an intention to appeal, giving itself a 96-hour window to build a case. That window closes Thursday night, and sources confirm Audi will proceed.

What's next:

Audi is keen to get clarification from the stewards for future occasions, regardless of whether the appeal overturns Tsunoda's result. The FIA has yet to set a date for the appeal hearing.