Dramatic San Francisco Showcase Ends in Flames as Tsunoda Safely Escapes Burning Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda participated in a high-profile demonstration event in San Francisco over the weekend, sharing track time with notable figures from motorsport and extreme sports. The Japanese driver's day took a dramatic turn when his Red Bull F1 machine suddenly caught fire during the exhibition run.
What was meant to be an exciting showcase of Formula 1 machinery turned into a harrowing moment during a weekend demonstration event in San Francisco, when the Red Bull car piloted by Yuki Tsunoda erupted in flames.
Tsunoda was one of several high-profile motorsport personalities and athletes brought together for the special show run. Joining him on track were Scott Speed, a veteran of both Formula 1 and rallycross competition, Ford's off-road racing specialist Mitch Guthrie, and freestyle motocross sensation Aaron Colton.
While operating the Red Bull machine during his portion of the demonstration, the vehicle suddenly experienced a catastrophic fire. However, Tsunoda managed to safely exit the burning car without incident, bringing the alarming situation under control.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article B11.7.1
DE - FIA Discretionary Permissions
Chapter: B11.7
In Simple Terms
The FIA can give teams special permission to do two demonstration events (like parade laps or promotional drives) with their current race car without it counting as a track test. Teams can also do additional demonstration events organized by F1's commercial partner without penalty.
- Teams get two free demonstration events per season that don't count as official testing
- These demonstrations use the current year's car but aren't subject to normal testing restrictions
- Additional demos can be done if organized by the Commercial Rights Holder (F1's commercial operator)
- All demonstrations require explicit FIA approval and discretionary permission
Official FIA Text
At the sole discretion of the FIA, each Competitor will be permitted to carry out: (a) Two (2) DE's with a Current Car which will not be considered TCC. (b) DE's organised by the Commercial Rights Holder with a Current Car.
Article B11.7.2
DE - Current Car Distance Limit
Chapter: B11.7
In Simple Terms
Demonstration events (DE) using current F1 cars are limited to a maximum of 15 kilometers total distance throughout the entire event. This means drivers cannot exceed this distance limit no matter how many laps or runs they complete during the demonstration.
- Current F1 cars in demonstration events have a strict 15km distance cap
- The limit applies to the total distance across the entire event duration
- This restriction ensures vehicle wear and operational costs are controlled
- The rule applies to all demonstration runs combined, not per session
Official FIA Text
No DE using a Current Car may exceed 15km throughout the duration of the event.
Article C5.20.3
Battery Management System Requirements
Chapter: C5
In Simple Terms
Every F1 car's battery system must have a smart safety manager (BMS) that constantly watches for problems and can automatically reduce power or shut down the battery if something goes wrong. It also needs to keep all the individual battery cells balanced so they work evenly together.
- The BMS acts as a safety guardian, detecting faults and protecting the battery from unsafe operation
- If problems are detected, the system can reduce power output or completely shut down the ERS to prevent damage
- The BMS must actively balance battery cells to minimize voltage differences between them for optimal performance
- This ensures both driver safety and fair competition by preventing batteries from operating in dangerous conditions
Official FIA Text
The ES must be equipped with a BMS which: a. Must detect internal faults and must trigger power reduction delivered from/to the battery or shutdown the ERS if it considers that the ES is operating unsafely. b. Must be capable of reducing the voltage dispersion between each cell to its minimal level.
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