Red Bull F1 star in FIA summons at C…read more
The FIA’s summons of Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull RB21 for a mandatory car presentation at the Canadian Grand Prix has sparked speculation, but the procedure is routine. The summons, part of a standard FIA process, involves a random selection of cars for closer inspection by media and paddock personnel. Tsunoda’s car, alongside Alex Albon’s Williams and Esteban Ocon’s Haas, has been chosen for this weekend’s pre-race scrutiny. This process allows for a detailed examination of the vehicles’ technical specifications and design features ahead of the on-track action.
The FIA has outlined the procedure, specifying that if adverse weather conditions prevail, the car presentation may be conducted in the teams’ designated garage areas to ensure the safety and integrity of the vehicles. However, the forecast for Montreal is favorable, with minimal chances of precipitation. This standard procedure complements another established practice where each team displays one car outside the garages during race weekends. If a team has implemented upgrades to only one of its cars, that specific vehicle is the one presented.
This year’s Canadian Grand Prix carries extra significance for Red Bull. While rivals Ferrari and Mercedes are bringing substantial upgrades to their cars, Red Bull, currently in a dismal fourth place in the constructors’ championship after a disappointing European triple-header, is reportedly only introducing minor circuit-specific tweaks to the RB21. These adjustments focus on the car’s aerodynamic configuration, particularly the floor, following the introduction of a new front wing in Spain. The team hopes these subtle changes will provide the necessary boost for both Tsunoda and reigning champion Max Verstappen to regain their competitive edge. The pressure is particularly intense on Tsunoda.
The focus on Tsunoda’s car stems less from suspicion and more from the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his season. His promotion to the main Red Bull F1 team after only two race weekends replacing Liam Lawson has been challenging. The 25-year-old Japanese driver has struggled to adapt to the complexities of the RB21, consistently finishing outside the points. His recent performance in Spain further emphasized the need for improvement. This weekend, with the added scrutiny of the FIA’s car presentation, serves as a microcosm of Tsunoda’s larger struggle. The inspection of his car, however, is purely procedural, with no suggestion of wrongdoing on either Tsunoda’s or Red Bull’s part.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the recent granting of a Super Licence to Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad by the FIA. This 17-year-old driver is now eligible to participate in an F1 session. While Red Bull insists they requested this exception weeks ago, the timing raises questions about their future plans for both Lindblad and Tsunoda, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Tsunoda’s long-term prospects with the team. The situation leaves open the possibility of significant changes within Red Bull’s driver lineup in the near future.
Despite the pressure and speculation, the Canadian Grand Prix weekend will proceed as scheduled. Two practice sessions are planned for Friday, followed by the final practice and qualifying on Saturday. The focus for Red Bull, however, remains firmly on improving Tsunoda’s performance, as well as their overall competitiveness in the championship. The subtle aerodynamic adjustments to the RB21 represent a small step in their larger effort to reclaim their position at the front of the grid. The upcoming race weekend in Montreal will act as a crucial testing ground for Red Bull’s strategies, both in terms of their car’s performance and their driver line-up for the future.
