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  "path": "/sport/f1/red-bull-f1-car-erupts-into-flames",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-24T09:31:23.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Max Verstappen intensifies F1 criticism as Ralf Schumacher issues brutal response to Red Bull star",
    "Lewis Hamilton releases statement on Ferrari quit decision after testing new car",
    "Lando Norris makes stark admission on McLaren car as British driver prepares to defend world title",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nYuki Tsunoda was forced to abandon a Red Bull Formula One car after it caught fire during a demonstration event in San Francisco.\n\nThe 25-year-old Japanese driver had been entertaining spectators with doughnuts on Marina Boulevard as part of the Red Bull Showrun when the incident occurred.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTsunoda was piloting the RB7, the same model Sebastian Vettel drove to his 2011 World Championship victory.\n\nThe reserve and test driver had to quickly exit the vehicle after smoke began billowing from the rear.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nEmergency crews subsequently tackled the blaze as thousands of fans looked on.\n\nVideo footage captured the moment smoke first appeared from the back of the car as Tsunoda reached the top of the circuit where supporters had gathered.\n\nDespite the visible plumes, the driver continued spinning the vehicle in circles for approximately 30 seconds as conditions worsened.\n\nFlames then became visible near the rear tyres, prompting alarmed spectators to call out for him to escape.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAs the fire intensified and smoke darkened, Tsunoda calmly climbed from the cockpit and walked away, waving fumes from his face.\n\nEmergency personnel swiftly moved in to douse the flames before they could consume the historic machine entirely.\n\nThe car was left stranded on the road.\n\nThe San Francisco event marked Tsunoda's return to an F1 cockpit.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Max Verstappen intensifies F1 criticism as Ralf Schumacher issues brutal response to Red Bull star\n  * Lewis Hamilton releases statement on Ferrari quit decision after testing new car\n  * Lando Norris makes stark admission on McLaren car as British driver prepares to defend world title\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe departed a full-time racing role at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.\n\nRed Bull opted not to retain him as a race driver.\n\nThey instead appointed him to their reserve and testing programme for the upcoming season.\n\nThe Japanese racer, who previously competed for Alpha Tauri, has yet to stand on a Formula One podium throughout his career, accumulating 33 points during his final year as a full-time competitor.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will now represent the team in competitive action during the 2026 championship.\n\nPrior to the incident, Tsunoda had expressed enthusiasm about the demonstration.\n\nHe said: \"I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car and to do that in RB7 in San Francisco, it will be amazing.\n\n\"I'm really looking forward to getting out there, doing some donuts and making some real F1 noise in front of the crowds.\"\n\nThe San Francisco showcase was the first of three promotional events Red Bull has scheduled ahead of the new campaign.\n\nPhoenix will host the second demonstration in approximately one month, with Atlanta serving as the final venue several weeks thereafter.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Red Bull F1 car erupts into flames just days before new season begins as driver forced to make escape"
}