In 2024, Yuki Tsunoda will be completing his first full season in Formula 1.
The FIA have handed out two rarely-seen summonses post-race at the Canadian Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda called to the stewards for allegedly arriving late for the pre-race playing of the national anthem.
In addition, a member of Octane Racing Group, the Canadian Grand Prix organizers, has been summoned to the stewards’ office following reports of a possible spectator incursion onto the track before the race concluded.
Yuki Tsunoda among rare summons orders handed out post-Canadian GP
Tsunoda was summoned for allegedly turning up late for the national anthem being played prior to the Canadian Grand Prix.
According to the FIA, this incident is said to be a potential violation of Article 19.4 b) of the sporting regulations. The article states that all drivers are required to participate in a thirty-minute drivers parade or presentation, which includes activities such as group photos, social media interactions, celebrity engagement, or interacting with fans at the trackside. This should take place two hours and ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the formation lap.
The rule states that, without exception, all drivers must be present at the front of the grid for the national anthem at least fourteen (14) minutes before the scheduled start of the formation lap.
Consequently, the stewards imposed a fine of €10,000 on the RB driver due to his tardiness, stating: “After reviewing the video evidence, the Stewards confirmed that the driver was indeed late for the anthem.”
The team admitted to insufficiently informing the driver about the timing, resulting in the delay. However, it is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure timely arrival.
Upon being informed of his mistake, the driver promptly made every reasonable effort to promptly attend the National Anthem.
The Stewards recognize the significance of participating in the National Anthem as a crucial part of the pre-race protocols and a gesture of respect towards the host country. They acknowledge that previous cases have suggested a milder punishment (reprimand), but they believe that imposing a fine is warranted.
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The stewards have summoned the Canadian Grand Prix promoters due to a spectator track invasion that occurred prior to the race’s conclusion on Sunday.
While a rare occurrence, this is not the first time race organisers have been called to the FIA in such a way, with the 2023 Australian Grand Prix having had exactly the same reasoning given after spectators breached security lines prior to the end of the race in Melbourne last year – with protestors also making their way onto the track at Silverstone in 2022.
Max Verstappen emerged as the victorious driver in an exhilarating race in Montréal on Sunday, while Tsunoda finished in 14th place after a last-minute detour across the grass at Turn 8 almost resulted in collisions with several competitors.
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