The FIA has explained why Lando Norris avoided a costly penalty in the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
After his pit-stop, Norris was attempting to pass Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda for position as Tsunoda attempted to hold Norris up to aid the quest of team-mate Max Verstappen to win the title.
On the main straight, Tsunoda weaved with Norris moving to the inside, and technically passing Tsunoda off the track for position.
Both Tsunoda for forcing another driver off the track and Norris for leaving the track and gaining an advantage were then placed under FIA investigation.
However, whilst Tsunoda was handed a five-second time penalty, Norris escaped without sanction, but a five-second penalty of his own would not have cost him the title, with Charles Leclerc finishing seven seconds behind in fourth.
Below, you can read the full verdict from the stewards following their investigation.
The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and in-car video evidence.
The driver of Car 4 overtook Car 22 off track; however, this occurred because the driver of Car 22 made multiple moves defending his position against Car 4.
Had Car 22 not made those moves, Car 4 would have overtaken it without going off track but moved off track to avoid contact with Car 22.
Further, the Driving Standards Guidelines provide that if a car is “forced off” (which was effectively what occurred here), it is not considered to have exceeded track limits.
Whilst technically the overtake took place off track, we determine in view of the above, to take no further action.
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
Download the calenderMost read
In this article
Join the conversation!