The season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ignited controversy after Lando Norris narrowly escaped a potentially decisive penalty. Though he finished third and secured his first Formula 1 world championship by a slim margin over Max Verstappen, debate erupted over an incident involving Norris and Yuki Tsunoda. The pair were investigated when Norris overtook Tsunoda while briefly leaving the circuit, prompting immediate scrutiny from fans and analysts questioning the stewards’ judgment.
Norris’ title-clinching podium capped a historic night for the Briton, becoming his country’s 11th world champion with 423 points. Verstappen claimed the race victory but fell short in the championship, while Oscar Piastri completed the season third overall. Yet the celebration soon overlapped with controversy as footage of the pass between Norris and Tsunoda began circulating widely online, sparking polarized reactions.
Fan responses ranged from accusations of favoritism to staunch defense of the stewards’ call. Many argued that Norris’ off-track manoeuvre warranted a penalty, while others blamed Tsunoda’s aggressive weaving for forcing the McLaren driver beyond track limits. The debate quickly intensified as differing interpretations of racing etiquette flooded social platforms, illustrating how contentious the moment had become.
The stewards later released a detailed explanation clarifying their reasoning. They determined that Norris’ deviation occurred only because Tsunoda made multiple defensive moves, effectively leaving him no safe alternative. According to the Driving Standards Guidelines, a driver forced off the track is not considered in breach of track limits, and therefore Norris’ overtake—though technically off-circuit—did not merit a penalty. Tsunoda, however, received a five-second penalty for illegal defending.
The ruling reaffirmed the stewards’ neutrality, emphasizing that their decisions are made independently of the FIA and grounded solely in available evidence. Although the controversy may linger among fans, the verdict stands, preserving Norris’ championship-clinching result and bringing the season to a dramatic, debated finale.
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