In a move that could have ripple effects for the remainder of the 2024 season, Audi Formula 1 has confirmed that it will appeal the stewards’ decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s race‑day incident at the Italian Grand Prix. Per Autosport and Motorsport.com, the team argues that the driver should have received a penalty for causing an avoidable collision with Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in the opening laps of the race.
During the first corner, Tsunoda’s car clipped Hamilton’s front wing, forcing the Red Bull driver into the wall and subsequently bringing Alonso into the fray. The stewards ruled that the incident was a result of a “momentary misjudgment” and did not impose any sanction, a decision that left Audi and Tsunoda’s teammates, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, disappointed. Audi’s chief of race operations, John Smith, stated that the team believes the collision was avoidable and that a penalty would have been justified.
The appeal will be lodged with the FIA’s Appeal Panel, and the decision could be rendered as early as next week. If successful, the panel could impose a time penalty or even a grid drop for the next race, potentially affecting the championship standings. The outcome will be closely watched by teams and fans alike, as it raises questions about the consistency of the stewards’ rulings in high‑speed, high‑pressure situations.
For Indian viewers, the appeal will be announced on the FanCode app, which streams all Formula 1 races in India. The panel’s decision is expected to be released on the same day as the next race’s start time, so fans can tune in to the live commentary for the verdict. The Indian time for the next race is 10:00 PM IST, and the appeal outcome will be discussed in the post‑race analysis.
Source: Autosport, Motorsport.com