Yuki Tsunoda, the former Formula 1 driver, faced an alarming moment when his Red Bull RB7 demo car caught fire at a motorsport event in San Francisco in early 2026. The 25-year-old Japanese driver was performing during the show when flames suddenly engulfed the iconic 2011 championship-winning vehicle, forcing him to exit quickly as the safety crew acted promptly to control the blaze. This event marks Tsunoda’s first public motorsport appearance since his departure from Formula 1 at the end of the 2025 season.
Having been without a race seat following a challenging stint at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, Tsunoda’s return to the spotlight was meant to showcase his driving skills in a celebrated historic car. Instead, the demo ended abruptly due to the unexpected fire, despite Tsunoda’s calm and safe departure from the vehicle. The incident caused concern not only because of the potential danger but also given the RB7’s history of mechanical issues that have prompted safety reviews.
Details of the Fire and Tsunoda’s Past Car-Related Incidents
The formation of flames during the demonstration echoed a previous scare Tsunoda experienced in 2024, when a similar fire occurred while he was driving a 2012-spec Red Bull demo car in Taiwan. The recurrence of such incidents underlines ongoing concerns about the reliability and safety of these older race cars operated during public events. Experts and team members have emphasized the necessity for thorough investigations to prevent such situations from escalating in the future.
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident in San Francisco, Tsunoda’s swift reaction helped avert injury, with safety personnel rapidly extinguishing the fire. Spectators witnessed a thrilling spectacle initially as Tsunoda performed donuts in the RB7, reminiscent of Sebastian Vettel’s championship season in 2011 before the demonstration ended in flames. The team’s priority remains ensuring driver safety and addressing the mechanical vulnerabilities that led to the fire.
yuki’s car on fire😭😭 pic.twitter.com/axYFdclqH6— dev (@kimiswdc) February 21, 2026
Prospects for Yuki Tsunoda’s Return to Formula 1 Racing
Amid these challenges, hopes remain high for Tsunoda’s potential comeback to the Formula 1 grid in the upcoming 2026 season. Alan Permane, the team principal at Racing Bulls, hinted at the Japanese driver’s continuing involvement with the team, primarily through simulator work and partial participation in race weekend sessions. Tsunoda is expected to take part in Friday practice sessions, possibly contributing to one of the two race cars, while dedicating much of his efforts to simulator support, which is crucial under the new racing regulations.
Permane emphasized the value of Tsunoda’s talent and experience in helping the team adapt and improve performance during weekends. Although Tsunoda has faced considerable setbacks during his tenure at Red Bull, his skills make him an asset for development and race preparation as the team strives to meet the demands of the evolving Formula 1 landscape.
He will do some Fridays – I’m not sure in both cars or just ours – but he will feature in FP1 running. But a lot of his work will be simulator support for us. That’s really fantastic for us to have someone of his calibre helping us over a race weekend, driving our simulator.
Alan Permane said, as reported by RacingNews365.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Formula 1 Season
With the 2026 Formula 1 season imminent, teams have already begun refining their cars and strategies based on early pre-season testing data. Tsunoda, while currently without a full-time race seat, remains engaged with Racing Bulls and will likely be an influential figure in the team’s preparations. His presence on race weekends and involvement in simulator work offer both performance insights and developmental support that could contribute to Racing Bulls’ competitive edge.
The unexpected fire incident at the demo show serves as a reminder of the risks associated with historic car demonstrations and the necessity of rigorous safety oversight. For Tsunoda, the event underscores the volatility of his career path but also points to a potential resurgence as he gains opportunities to return to active racing.
yuki's car on fire😭😭 pic.twitter.com/axYFdclqH6
— dev 🪽 (@kimiswdc) February 21, 2026
