Unbelievable 55-PLACE Penalty Rocks Yuki Tsunoda’s Las Vegas Grand Prix!
In a shocking turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull Racing found himself facing a staggering 55-place penalty that left fans and pundits alike reeling on Saturday night. After a tumultuous qualifying session marred by rain, Tsunoda was relegated to a disheartening 19th position. The team’s strategic gamble to swap out his power unit, rather than suffer further losses on the grid, resulted in a decision that would see him starting from the pit lane instead of the back of the grid—a move that seemed to minimize the damage of the penalty.
However, the reality of the situation was far grimmer. Despite the fresh power unit and the advantages it could have offered on a circuit famous for its long straights, Tsunoda’s race unfolded into a nightmare. He crossed the finish line in a dismal 14th place, nearly a minute and a half adrift of race winner Max Verstappen, showcasing the drastic consequences of the team’s earlier choices.
The penalty details unveiled in the decision document are astonishing. The FIA stipulates that “the use of each additional element carries a 10 grid place penalty (with the exception of the Engine Exhaust System which carries a 5 grid place penalty),” leading to a jaw-dropping accumulation of 55 places. Article 42.3 d) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations clearly states that drivers accruing more than 15 cumulative grid position penalties must start from the back of the grid. In a twist of fate, Tsunoda’s modifications—including the unauthorized changes to his suspension setup—mandated that he begin his race from the pit lane.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Oracle Red Bull Racing’s unauthorized alterations to the rear wing assembly of Tsunoda’s car during Parc Ferme were in direct violation of Article 40.3 of the FIA regulations. This breach not only complicated Tsunoda’s race strategy but also resulted in additional scrutiny on the team’s compliance with technical regulations.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was nothing short of a rollercoaster for Tsunoda, who faced the immense challenge of racing against the odds, with a 55-place penalty looming over him. As fans reflected on the implications of this massive setback, the question remained: how will Red Bull Racing regroup and strategize moving forward in the championship?
With the spotlight now firmly on Tsunoda and his team, this high-stakes drama at the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in Formula 1—where one decision can lead to catastrophic penalties, forever altering the trajectory of a season. Will Tsunoda bounce back from this daunting setback, or will this incident haunt his aspirations for the remainder of the championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—this race will be talked about for seasons to come!








