F1 Canadian GP: Yuki Tsunoda hit with mega 10-place grid penalty

Red Bull racer Yuki Tsunoda has been struck with a 10-place grid penalty for Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix.

The Japanese driver was penalised for passing Oscar Piastri under red flag conditions in third practice ahead of the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Piastri brought out the red flags after suffering a puncture and suspension damage when he tapped the ‘wall of champions.’

As Piastri trundled back to the pits in his McLaren, Tsunoda overtook him. The Japanese driver claimed that he was worried about being struck by debris coming from Piastri’s car following the incident in FP3. 

However, the stewards took a dim view of Tsunoda move, which saw him skirt past the Australian at 171km/h while Piastri was only going 86km/h. 

The stewards’ decision said: “Having considered the matter extensively, the stewards determined that while Car 81 had an obvious problem, it was not travelling at such a speed that it prevented Car 22 from following it at a safe distance. 

“The circumstances were such that there was no justifiable reason for the driver of Car 22 to have overtaken Car 81.” 

The penalty means that Tsunoda is now due to start the Canadian GP at the back in 20th after qualifying 11th.

Tsunoda, who has only scored four points since he was promoted to Red Bull from Racing Bulls at the Japanese Grand Prix in April, has also been issued with two penalty points on his super licence. 

Photos from Canadian GP – Practice & Qualifying