Yuki Tsunoda was caught up in the high drama at the 2025 F1 Canadian Grand Prix after he was handed a severe grid penalty for practice session infraction, thrusting Red Bull Racing into the spotlight.
On June 14, 2025, the FIA stewards slapped the Japanese driver with a 10-place grid penalty for overtaking under red flag conditions during Free Practice 3 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
The incident unfolded during the final practice session which was interrupted by a red flag after a series of incidents at the notorious ‘Wall of Champions’ corner.
Nico Hulkenberg had clipped the barrier in his Kick Sauber and shortly after Oscar Piastri in the McLaren suffered a puncture and suspension damage after a brush with the wall.
As Piastri limped his damaged car back to the pits, the red flag was put out, signaling all drivers to slow down and maintain position for safety reasons.
It was during this period that Yuki Tsunoda, who had been approaching Piastri on the back straight, made the decision to overtake the stricken McLaren.
Canadian Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying Results
According to the stewards’ report, Tsunoda’s Red Bull was running at 171 km/h when he passed Piastri who was moving at 86 km/h.
The Japanese driver later explained that his primary concern was the risk of being struck by debris from Piastri’s car, which had sustained significant damage. He argued that remaining behind the McLaren posed a greater safety risk, prompting his decision to overtake despite the red flag.
However, the FIA stewards took a strict view of the incident. After reviewing telemetry, video footage, and hearing from both drivers and team representatives the officials determined that while Piastri’s car was clearly damaged, it was not moving so slowly as to prevent Tsunoda from following at a safe distance.
The stewards concluded there was no justifiable reason for Tsunoda to have overtaken under red flag conditions, which are among the most critical safety protocols in Formula 1.
As a result, Tsunoda was handed a 10-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix along with two penalty points on his super licence, bringing his total to two over the past 12 months.
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The penalty has significant implications for Tsunoda’s weekend. Having qualified in 11th position, the Red Bull driver will now start Sunday’s race from 20th on the grid, effectively relegating him to the back row.
This setback is particularly severe given Red Bull’s ongoing efforts to maximize points in a highly competitive championship battle.
The team will now need to adapt its strategy, potentially opting for aggressive tire choices or alternative pit stop tactics to help Tsunoda recover positions during the race.
