AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda must start Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane after changes were made to his AT03.
Tsunoda struggled for grip throughout Saturday’s Sprint at Interlagos and was due to start from 15th place on the grid.
However AlphaTauri has made changes outside of parc ferme conditions, taking on a different specification front wing and rear wing.
While these alterations were carried out with the approval of the FIA’s technical team a change of specification means a pit lane start is mandatory.
AlphaTauri has also undertaken a floor change but has fitted the same specification to the AT03.
Tsunoda’s sanction means the quintet of drivers who were due to line up behind him will move up one place each respectively.
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![Isack Hadjar [pictured] has deferred to Max Verstappen for Day 2 of the F1 pre-season test. Image: Red Bull Content Pool](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Isack-Hadjar-Red-Bull-test-2026-360x180.webp)
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