FYI: The FIA has handed Yuki Tsunoda a 60-place grid penalty for engine changes, sparking discussions about the impact on Red Bull’s title defence.
### Tsunoda Faces Massive 60-Place Grid Penalty
The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix, the 14th race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, will see Red Bull Racing’s Yuki Tsunoda starting with a significant disadvantage due to penalties for numerous engine part changes. With the season only just halfway through, Tsunoda’s ongoing struggle with his car’s power unit puts him in a challenging position for the remaining races.
### Season’s Engine Regulations
Formula 1 regulations stipulate that each driver is allocated a limited number of power unit components per season. Exceeding this allocation results in grid penalties. Tsunoda has reached his limit on several key components, including:
– Fifth internal combustion engine
– Fifth turbocharger
– Fifth MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat)
– Fifth MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic)
– Third energy store
– Third electronic control unit
### The Consequences
Cumulatively, these component changes mean Tsunoda faces a 60-place grid penalty. Given that the grid only consists of 20 positions, Tsunoda will effectively start from the back of the grid regardless of his qualifying position. This penalty system highlights the intense mechanical demands faced by teams and drivers.
### Impact on the Season
With 10 Grands Prix remaining, Tsunoda has already used up his free replacement tokens. Any further changes to these components will attract additional 10-place penalties, likely relegating him to the back of the grid for future races as well.
These circumstances mirror a broader issue for Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen, the World Drivers’ Champion, and his teammate Sergio Perez have also opted to use their fifth internal combustion engines. In contrast, Tsunoda’s teammate Daniel Ricciardo is still operating on his fourth engine, the last one available before incurring penalties.
### Red Bull’s Technical Challenges
Red Bull’s predicament stems from its reliance on older engine models originally supplied by Honda, now developed in-house. This reliance contrasts sharply with teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, who remain more efficient and reliable with fewer engine replacements necessary up to this point in the season.
### Prospects for the Future
The consistent engine changes and subsequent penalties for Red Bull drivers could derail both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship aspirations. Verstappen’s previously untouchable status as a title contender is now under threat due to the reliability issues.
### Looking Forward
However, there is a glimmer of hope for Red Bull, with funding from Ford poised to bolster their powertrain development. If Ford’s support materializes quickly, it might enable Red Bull to address these reliability issues and salvage their championship campaigns.
The next races will be crucial for Red Bull and Tsunoda as they navigate these penalties. Should the reliability of their power units improve, they may yet recover competitive positions and challenge for the titles.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
