Steward Decision Review: Tsunoda’s Penalty at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix
INTRO:
During the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, a significant steward decision was made regarding Yuki Tsunoda, who received a three-place grid penalty for a collision with another driver. The incident occurred during the race on September 17, 2023, exacerbating a tense situation that unfolded as the laps dwindled and the title race intensified.
SECTION 1: Steward Ruling
The stewards ruled that Yuki Tsunoda was predominantly at fault for causing a collision with Lando Norris during the race. Citing Article 38.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Code, which pertains to causing a collision, the stewards determined that Tsunoda failed to maintain a safe distance while attempting to overtake, leading to the contact. The decision was arrived at after reviewing multiple angles of the incident and assessing the post-race reports from both teams involved.
SECTION 2: Incident Context
The collision took place just a few laps into the final third of the race. As the drivers entered Turn 14, Tsunoda, who was battling for position in the midfield pack, attempted to pass Norris, who was not aware of the impending challenge. The two cars made contact, resulting in minimal damage but significant implications for both drivers’ race results. With the championship leaders vying for crucial points, such mid-pack altercations can have substantial ramifications on overall standings, intensifying the scrutiny placed on drivers’ actions during the race.
SECTION 3: Immediate Impact
As a result of the penalty, Yuki Tsunoda was relegated three places on the grid for the next race, set to occur in Japan. This decision significantly altered the official race results for the Singapore Grand Prix, wherein Tsunoda finished in 12th place; however, the mark against him for the subsequent weekend could hinder his home Grand Prix performance, as it places him further back on the starting grid and limits his potential for points.
SECTION 4: Team or Driver Context
Since the ruling, Tsunoda and his team, Scuderia AlphaTauri, have expressed understanding but disappointment regarding the penalty. The team indicated they would review the incident to gather insights and mitigate similar issues in future races. Procedurally, the team followed standard protocol by submitting their thoughts to the FIA’s stewards regarding the fairness of the decision. Team Principal Franz Tost commented on the situation, acknowledging the competitive nature of Formula 1. He emphasized the learning opportunity presented by such incidents, indicating that their focus would be on preparing for the upcoming race in Japan.
SECTION 5: What Happens Next
With the penalty now imposed, Tsunoda has a window of opportunity to appeal the stewards’ ruling. According to FIA regulations, teams have 24 hours post-race to appeal any decision made concerning penalties, where they must provide substantial evidence or argumentation to support their case. However, as of now, no plans for an appeal have been confirmed by AlphaTauri. The team remains focused on optimizing performance for the Japanese GP, needing to maximize their pace and strategy to offset the disadvantage imposed by the grid penalty. The absence of an immediate appeal indicates a focus on looking forward rather than revisiting past disputes.
As the Singapore Grand Prix turns the corner into the Japanese round, fans may wonder: How will Tsunoda’s penalty affect his trajectory in the championship battle?
