Hot mess: Tsunoda’s San Francisco demo goes up in smoke

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: X.com/@Leonczik

Talk about a "burning" desire to get back on the grid. Yuki Tsunoda’s first appearance since his 2025 F1 exit was supposed to be a raucous San Francisco showcase, but it quickly turned into a literal dumpster fire.

While attempting to dazzle the Bay Area with a series of donuts, Tsunoda’s Red Bull decided to retire early – permanently – erupting into a localized inferno that forced the Japanese driver to perform a quick exit.

In a scene that felt like a cruel metaphor for his tenure in the sport, the sight of poor Yuki standing amidst the smog of a toasted RB7 is peak irony. If he was looking for a "hot" new start for 2026, he certainly found one.

: X.com/@Leonczik

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.