F1 News Today: FIA penalise team as Red Bull in….read more
The Japanese Grand Prix weekend at Suzuka Circuit witnessed significant developments affecting several Formula 1 teams. The FIA stewards imposed a fine on the Mercedes F1 Team following an unsafe pit-lane release involving driver George Russell during qualifying. In a separate incident, Red Bull Racing’s strategic decisions, including the demotion of driver Liam Lawson and the promotion of Yuki Tsunoda, drew scrutiny from the FIA, prompting further inspections.
Mercedes F1 Team Penalized for Unsafe Pit-Lane Release
During the early minutes of Q1 in the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying session, Mercedes driver George Russell was released from his garage into the path of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Piastri had to steer left to avoid contact, describing the situation as “very dangerous” over the team radio. After reviewing the incident, the FIA stewards concluded that the Mercedes team was at fault for the unsafe release and imposed a €5,000 fine. Russell was not penalized with a grid place drop, starting the race from ninth position. He acknowledged the competitiveness of the midfield, stating, “If you nail your lap you are up at the front of that pack, and if you don’t you will be at the back of that pack.”
Red Bull Racing Under FIA Scrutiny Amidst Driver Changes
Red Bull Racing’s recent driver lineup changes have attracted the FIA’s attention. Liam Lawson, who struggled in the first two races of the 2025 season, was demoted to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda, known for his raw speed and improved technical feedback, replaced Lawson in the main team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. This change coincided with Honda’s final year with Red Bull and Tsunoda’s home Grand Prix, adding significance to his promotion. While the team viewed the move as a chance for Lawson to regroup, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggested that the decision was also influenced by the need to improve the car’s performance.
The FIA’s scrutiny intensified due to Red Bull’s strategic approach during the previous year’s Japanese Grand Prix. The team exploited a regulatory loophole by allowing Sergio Perez to serve a time penalty after retiring from the race, thereby avoiding a grid penalty for the subsequent race. The FIA acknowledged the need to address such loopholes, stating that it would review the rules to prevent similar situations in the future.
FIA Admits Errors in Deployment of Recovery Vehicles
In addition to team-related incidents, the FIA faced criticism for its handling of trackside safety during the Japanese Grand Prix. The deployment of a recovery vehicle to remove Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, while cars were still on track under safety car conditions, drew parallels to the tragic accident involving Jules Bianchi in 2014. The FIA conceded that it would have been prudent to delay the deployment of recovery vehicles until all cars were aligned behind the safety car, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols.
These developments underscore the FIA’s commitment to maintaining safety and fairness in Formula 1, as it continues to evaluate and refine regulations in response to emerging challenges and t
eam strategies.
