Last-Minute Spanish GP Grid Shift After Penalty Drama

Red Bull Racing has made a significant adjustment to its lineup ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda set to start from the pit lane after a last-minute technical change. Tsunoda’s car, the RB21, had a new rear wing fitted after qualifying.

This rear wing uses a different specification from the original, pushing the car out of the strictly controlled parc ferme regulations. By breaking these conditions, Tsunoda lost his place on the official starting grid for Sunday’s race. More details on such aerodynamic changes can be found in the article about the F1 flexi wing Spanish GP.

Tsunoda was initially due to begin the race at the back, in 19th position, after Lance Stroll of Aston Martin withdrew on medical grounds. The late rear wing swap now means Tsunoda will have to line up in the pit lane.

After qualifying in last place, the Japanese driver had not expected his car would need a change that carried a starting penalty. However, the team decided the technical tweak was necessary, which forced the FIA’s hand in enforcing the rules.

On the other hand, Max Verstappen will still take the start from third position. The reigning champion managed to get his Red Bull onto the second row, with only the McLaren drivers ahead.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris locked out the front row for McLaren after delivering strong qualifying laps at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Verstappen, who has 136 points so far in the 2025 standings, faces a challenging opening stint against the McLaren teammates, who currently lead the drivers’ championship—Piastri on 161 points and Norris closely behind at 158.

The build-up to the race has included plenty of talking points beyond the lineup switch. Lewis Hamilton attracted attention after calling a new regulation a “waste of money,” sparking discussion throughout the paddock. His recent comments can be explored further in the piece covering McLaren, Lewis Hamilton, and Monaco.

Fernando Alonso also engaged the headlines by rejecting claims from Adrian Newey about Aston Martin’s technical issues. As the excitement grows, fans are tuning in to see how the frontrunners and the rest of the grid will respond.

The Spanish Grand Prix is the latest in a series of high-profile events on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, taking place at the historic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The event is sandwiched between the races in Canada and Austria, marking a key point in the season as teams look to maximize points ahead of the summer break.

In the constructor’s battle, McLaren leads with 319 points, followed by Mercedes on 147. Red Bull is third with 143.

In addition to the headline grid changes, recent results from the Formula 2 Feature Race have kept motorsport enthusiasts updated on the next generation of racing talent. The weekend has also seen Nick Cassidy take a vital victory in Shanghai for Formula E.

Drivers like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to attract attention with their performances and their dynamic with rivals such as Verstappen. With the starting order now officially adjusted and Tsunoda’s car set to leave the pit lane, teams are finalizing strategies for what promises to be a compelling race. Norris recently impressed with McLaren’s new front wing design, which is discussed in detail here: McLaren F1 front wing.

As the lights go out in Barcelona, all eyes will be on how Red Bull recovers from their enforced change and whether Max Verstappen can challenge the dominant McLaren duo at the front.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.