THE ITALIAN Grand Prix start had to be abandoned after Yuki Tsunoda went off track during the formation lap.
The AlphaTauri driver suffered a mechanical issue and was forced to abandon the race.
Yuki Tsunoda suffered a mechanical during the formation lap
Race organisers delayed the restart by twenty minutes as Tsunoda’s car was removed from the circuit by a truck.
It is believed Tsunoda suffered an engine failure as smoke billowed out from the car after the Japanese pulled onto the grass at the side of the track.
Fans sympathised with Tsunoda who had been due to start in 11th place on the grid.
One viewer said: “Not the best start… race hasn’t even started. He deserves better than this.”
Another added: “Feel so bad for Yuki.”
A third wrote: “This is so frustrating; Yuki is driving so well these days, but he does not have the car or the luck to back it up. How come the Honda engine fails in his car but never in Max’s?”
While another fan joked: “You can’t park there.”
A truck removed Tsunoda’s car and the race finally got underway 20 minutes later than scheduled following a second formation lap.
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The race distance was also reduced by two laps because of the addition of an extra formation lap.
Carlos Sainz got off away quickest at lights out to lead the race from Max Verstappen, as the Ferrari defended his pole position.