Here is a wild twist for the 2026 constructors' championship: as Motorsport.com Brasil reports, the FIA has finally scheduled a hearing before the International Court of Appeal for November 25. This case has been brewing for over two months, originating from a stewards' decision after the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
At the time, Audi lodged an appeal because the stewards chose not to penalize Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver allegedly triggered an extra formation lap near Milan while racing for Racing Bulls in the seat of Liam Lawson, who was himself filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull. According to the regulatory body, article B5.9.4 of the 2026 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations dictates that any driver causing an extra formation lap must start from the end of the pit lane, with a stop-and-go penalty as the prescribed punishment for non-compliance. Yet, in decision number 69, the stewards opted against taking any further action.
Audi filed their appeal on September 9, arguing firmly that Tsunoda forced that extra formation lap and deserved the stop-and-go penalty. That specific argument is what the court will judge on November 25, and the ripple effects could be massive. Tsunoda finished the Monza race in tenth place, right ahead of Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto. If the court rules in Audi's favor and penalizes Tsunoda retroactively, Bortoleto inherits the final world championship point.
That single point would be a massive boost for Audi in their battle for P7 in the constructors' standings, as the German manufacturer sits just three points behind Haas. Snagging that point from Monza would slash the gap to a mere two points with only three races remaining in the season. Beyond the standings, success in this legal battle could translate into millions of extra prize money at the end of the year, as every higher position in the championship hierarchy pays out significantly.
For Racing Bulls, however, that single point carries very little weight. The Faenza squad currently sits fifth in the constructors' championship with 114 points, holding a comfortable 45-point cushion over Alpine. The FIA has confirmed that the proceedings will take place behind closed doors for reasons of confidentiality, with the final decision to be announced as quickly as possible following the hearing.
F1
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