After Yuki Tsunoda’s dramatic crash at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Red Bull faced an immense challenge.
- Tsunoda crashed his RB21 during qualifying, impacting a tire barrier and rolling over.
- The result was significant damage, leading to a complete overhaul of his car overnight.
- The rebuild required a new survival cell and an array of engine components.
- Tsunoda expressed regret for his aggressive approach that led to the incident.
Yuki Tsunoda’s dramatic crash during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying was a sight to behold. Losing control of his RB21 as he approached Turn 6, Tsunoda’s car bottomed out, sending him backwards through gravel and flipping onto a tire barrier. The car rolled over before finally coming to a stop in the gravel. Fortunately, Tsunoda was not harmed, but the vehicle wasn’t as lucky. The FIA confirmed that even the survival cell, a critical safety feature, had to be replaced overnight to prepare for the race.
In light of the significant damage, Tsunoda’s car required extensive repairs. The FIA’s official statement confirmed that Tsunoda would start the race from the pit lane, following Article 40.9 a) of the 2025 Formula One Sporting Regulations. The rebuild was exhaustive, involving the replacement of the survival cell and numerous engine components, including the internal combustion unit, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, and control electronics, along with the exhaust system. The critical nature of these repairs underscores the impact of the crash on the team’s resources and planning.
Tsunoda, acknowledging the burden placed on his team due to his crash, expressed his deep regret. “The only thing I can do is apologize to them and just pray,” he noted, recognizing the extensive work required to repair his car. He expressed remorse for the ‘hero mindset’ that drove him to push limits during Q1, admitting it was unnecessary and ultimately detrimental. Tsunoda’s apology reflects his understanding of the consequences his actions had on the team’s preparations for the upcoming races.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, highlighted the challenges this incident posed, especially with a tight racing schedule ahead, including the unforgiving circuits of Monaco. “It’s a huge setback for us,” Marko stated, noting the critical situation regarding spare parts due to the forthcoming triple-header. The crash not only affected Tsunoda’s immediate race plans but also strained the team’s logistics and resource management. This adds pressure as they gear up for consecutive Grand Prix events.
Tsunoda’s crash at Imola has brought significant challenges for Red Bull, emphasizing the demands and unpredictability of motorsport.
