Yuki Tsunoda Receives Double Penalty in Sao Paulo Due to Red Bull 'Mistake'

Yuki Tsunoda faced a double penalty at the São Paulo Grand Prix, first for an on-track incident and then for a procedural error in serving the initial penalty, which his team principal admitted was a Red Bull mistake.

Why it matters:

In a sport where every second and every rule counts, a seemingly minor procedural misstep can have significant consequences. Tsunoda's double penalty highlights the critical importance of meticulous execution, not only on track but also in the pits, underscoring how even experienced teams like Red Bull can be caught out by regulatory details.

The details:

• Initial Incident: Tsunoda made contact with Lance Stroll during the race. The Red Bull driver appeared to lose control of his RB21 on approach to a corner, colliding with Stroll's Aston Martin at the apex and causing Stroll to spin.
• First Penalty: For the collision with Stroll, Tsunoda was promptly handed a 10-second penalty by the Interlagos stewards.
• Procedural Error: The Japanese driver's troubles escalated when he failed to serve the initial 10-second penalty correctly.
  • Following a subsequent investigation, the stewards determined there was an issue with how the penalty was served.
• Team's Acknowledgment: Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the team's error to Sky Sports F1, stating, "We think it's our mistake and we touched the car early on when we shouldn't have done."
• Consequence: The improper serving of the first penalty led to a second, more severe penalty.

The big picture:

This incident is a reminder that in Formula 1, penalties for on-track actions are just one aspect of the regulatory landscape. Teams must also navigate complex sporting regulations regarding penalty service, pit stop procedures, and technical compliance. Any oversight, whether by a driver or the pit crew, can result in further sanctions, affecting race results and championship standings.

What's next:

Red Bull will likely conduct an internal review to prevent similar procedural errors in the future. For Tsunoda, this race serves as a tough lesson in maintaining control and ensuring all team operations are flawlessly executed under pressure. The team will aim to move past this incident and ensure more precise execution in upcoming races to avoid unnecessary penalties.