FIA Court Sets Date for Audi’s Tsunoda Appeal
The FIA International Court of Appeal has scheduled a hearing for Audi’s appeal against Yuki Tsunoda regarding his 10th-place finish at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
The FIA’s highest appellate body will review Audi’s challenge to the Japanese driver’s Monza result on November 25 at its Paris headquarters.
Tsunoda substituted for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for three rounds in 2026 after the Kiwi driver was recalled by Red Bull to replace the injured Isack Hadjar.
The 26-year-old secured his only championship point at the Temple of Speed with a 10th-place finish, while Audi’s drivers crossed the finish line in 11th and 12th positions.
Tsunoda was scheduled to start from 14th on the grid but ended up in 15th after the formation lap. He quickly noticed the error and attempted to move back across the grid.
However, he found himself in an awkward position, leading Race Director Rui Marques to order an additional formation lap. Tsunoda started the race from the grid and finished 10th, prompting Audi to file a protest.
The German manufacturer argued that Tsunoda violated Article B5.9.4 of the Sporting Regulations, which states, “Any driver who caused an extra formation lap, and is then able to start the, or any subsequent, extra formation lap must enter the Pit Lane at the end of the lap and must start the [session] from the end of the Pit Lane.”
Failure to start from the pit lane would have resulted in a stop-and-go penalty.
Tsunoda finished ahead of the Audis at Monza.
Stewards explain reason behind Yuki Tsunoda let off at F1 Italian GP
The stewards’ decision to allow Tsunoda to keep his 10th-place finish was based more on a different interpretation of the situation than the statute.
They agreed that the decision to conduct a second formation lap was Marques’ choice and not necessarily a direct result of Tsunoda’s mistake.
“The Race Director, in evidence, stated that it was his call, based on the behaviour of the car on the approach to the grid box, to commence an extra formation lap. He stated he was not comfortable starting the race with the car in that position,” the verdict read.
“The Stewards agree with the points [made by a Racing Bulls team representative] and consider that the extra formation lap resulted from the Race Director’s assessment of the situation, rather than being directly caused by the driver of Car 22.”
If Audi’s appeal succeeds, Gabriel Bortoleto could potentially move up a place and into the points for the race classification at Monza.
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