close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen, in front of an FIA flag

Red Bull F1 star hit by late FIA demotion at Spanish Grand Prix

Yuki Tsunoda, Max Verstappen, in front of an FIA flag — Photo: © IMAGO

Red Bull F1 star hit by late FIA demotion at Spanish Grand Prix

One Red Bull F1 star is facing an uphill battle at the Spanish GP

Matthew Hobkinson
Lead Editor
F1 Editor & Journalist

Red Bull Formula 1 star Yuki Tsunoda will be required to start from the pit-lane at the Spanish Grand Prix after a late announcement from the FIA.

Tsunoda, 25, suffered a dismal qualifying in Barcelona where he was not only knocked out in Q1, but also set the slowest time of the entire grid.

READ MORE: Lance Stroll ruled OUT of the Spanish Grand Prix

Starting from the very back of the grid is perhaps not the worst place to start a race however, as Tsunoda will now be required to line up in the pit-lane for lights out.

Red Bull made various changes to the car under parc ferme conditions, including a new rear wing for Tsunoda, which now means he is required to start the race from the pits.

Parc ferme, which literally means 'closed park' in French, is a designated time when cars can no longer be modified beyond certain parameters during a race weekend.

Despite infringing upon these rules, the team are no doubt hoping that the Japanese star can make up for the less than ideal starting position over the duration of the race with the late tweaks to the RB21.

This announcement means that only 18 drivers will be lining up on the actual starting grid for lights out.

Aston Martin confirmed on Saturday that Lance Stroll would not be competing in the race due to an ongoing injury problem.

This, coupled with Tsunoda's requirement to start from the pit-lane will mean that there will be two empty grid slots – albeit at the back of the pack – when the race starts on Sunday afternoon.

READ MORE: FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict after Spanish Grand Prix investigation

Related

Red Bull FIA Yuki Tsunoda Lance Stroll Spanish Grand Prix

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposes removal of FIA presidency term limits

Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposes removal of FIA presidency term limits

  • 3 hours ago
Jos Verstappen destroys F1 legend with mic drop takedown after Max attack

Jos Verstappen destroys F1 legend with mic drop takedown after Max attack

  • Yesterday 22:55
Max Verstappen a hypocrite over 2026 regs criticism claims ex-F1 boss

Max Verstappen a hypocrite over 2026 regs criticism claims ex-F1 boss

  • Yesterday 21:57
F1 is killing itself as Monaco Grand Prix change highlights huge problem

F1 is killing itself as Monaco Grand Prix change highlights huge problem

  • Yesterday 12:56
Lance Stroll takes Aston Martin F1 team out for meal after Canadian GP disaster

Lance Stroll takes Aston Martin F1 team out for meal after Canadian GP disaster

  • Yesterday 11:55
FIA to issue Monaco Grand Prix speed limit for F1 drivers

FIA to issue Monaco Grand Prix speed limit for F1 drivers

  • Yesterday 10:57

Just in

18:54
Max Verstappen rejects 'pushy' parenting: 'Exactly what you shouldn't do'
18:06
Verstappen Racing caught up in Monza mayhem as race leaders wiped out
16:56
F1 boss ready to pounce as Max Verstappen Mercedes interest threatens driver axe
15:57
Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposes removal of FIA presidency term limits
14:53
Fernando Alonso dazzles Monaco ahead of Grand Prix with rare multi-million Porsche
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposes removal of FIA presidency term limits FIA

Mohammed Ben Sulayem proposes removal of FIA presidency term limits

3 hours ago
Oscar Piastri 'flattered' by Red Bull F1 interest Latest F1 News

Oscar Piastri 'flattered' by Red Bull F1 interest

Today 11:56
Jaw-dropping 368km/h speed record broken at Italian GP Racing News

Jaw-dropping 368km/h speed record broken at Italian GP

Today 10:57
Christian Horner given Alpine asking price as major obstacle to F1 return cleared Christian Horner

Christian Horner given Alpine asking price as major obstacle to F1 return cleared

Today 09:57
Ontdek het op Google Play
x