FIA Opens Investigation After Lando Norris Faces Dangerous Impeding Incident in Abu Dhabi FP3
Tension in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend escalated on Saturday after the FIA confirmed it had launched an investigation into a dramatic and potentially dangerous moment involving McLaren driver Lando Norris during the final practice session. With a world championship hanging in the balance, every session counts—and an alarming encounter with Yuki Tsunoda in FP3 instantly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the day.
The near-miss unfolded as Norris approached the tight and technical Turn 11 section, nestled within the illuminated hotel complex of the Yas Marina Circuit. Norris was pushing for an optimal flying lap as he fine-tuned his McLaren ahead of the crucial qualifying session. Suddenly, he found himself rapidly closing in on Tsunoda’s Red Bull, which was crawling slowly and positioned awkwardly on the racing line—right on the apex of the corner.
The closing speed between the two cars made the situation extremely hazardous. Norris had to react instantly, swerving sharply to avoid slamming into the rear of Tsunoda’s RB. What could have been a catastrophic crash was avoided only by quick reflexes and a bit of luck. For a title contender operating under immense pressure, the scare could not have come at a worse time.
The tension was immediately captured over team radio. Norris, audibly shocked and frustrated, demanded clarity on why Tsunoda was parked on the racing line during such a high-speed phase of the track. The incident caught the attention of the FIA stewards instantly, who flagged it for further investigation despite FP3 not being a competitive session. Tsunoda apologised shortly afterward, admitting that he had not properly checked his mirrors at the moment Norris arrived at full speed.
FIA Ruling: Warning for Tsunoda, €10,000 Fine for Red Bull
Impeding incidents are typically punished harshly when they occur during qualifying—often resulting in grid penalties. However, the rules apply differently for practice sessions. The FIA’s focus was therefore centred on assigning responsibility rather than issuing sporting consequences that might influence the weekend’s outcome.
After reviewing video evidence, telemetry, and statements from both drivers and their teams, the stewards determined that Tsunoda had indeed impeded Norris by failing to clear the racing line in time. The FIA declared the incident serious enough to warrant disciplinary action.
Still, because it happened in practice, Tsunoda escaped a grid drop. Instead, he received an official warning for failing to act appropriately, while Red Bull were hit with a €10,000 fine for not managing their driver’s positioning correctly during a peak-speed portion of the lap.
The ruling ensures Norris faces qualifying—and more importantly, the season-defining race on Sunday—without any additional disadvantages caused by the FP3 scare.
Could Tsunoda Impact the Championship Decider?
Although the incident is officially resolved, it sparked a broader question around Tsunoda’s potential influence on the championship finale. With this race being Red Bull’s last chance to help Max Verstappen overturn a 12-point deficit to Norris, Tsunoda could still play a strategic role depending on his qualifying performance.
McLaren enters the final race with a numerical advantage: Norris leads the championship, while Oscar Piastri is also within striking range at 16 points behind. Verstappen, by contrast, stands alone as Red Bull’s sole title challenger at the sharp end of the field. This two-against-one scenario has been a season-long challenge for Verstappen, often leaving him vulnerable against McLaren’s dual-driver pressure.
This is where Tsunoda’s positioning becomes significant. Should he qualify close to the McLarens or within the top five, he could unintentionally—or strategically—become a factor. His presence in the pack could complicate McLaren’s pit strategy, disrupt their clean air advantage, or create tactical scenarios that benefit Verstappen.
Norris only requires a podium finish to clinch his first Formula 1 world title, even if Verstappen wins the race. Any additional obstacle—especially a Red Bull car between him and his teammate—could dramatically increase the pressure on the young Briton.
Tsunoda’s Final Full-Time Outing for Red Bull Adds a Twist
Adding even more intrigue, this weekend marks Tsunoda’s last race as a full-time Red Bull driver. The team recently confirmed that he will step aside for 2026, transitioning into a reserve role while promising young driver Isack Hadjar graduates to partner Verstappen.
This places Tsunoda in a position where he has little to lose but plenty to prove. His loyalty to the Red Bull organisation may motivate him to perform aggressively—within the rules—during his final race, potentially making him a disruptive element in McLaren’s title chase.
A Small Incident With Big Implications
The FP3 scare between Norris and Tsunoda has added an unexpected layer of drama to what was already shaping up to be a nail-biting season finale. Though the FIA’s penalty was lenient, the visual of Norris narrowly avoiding a high-speed collision is a stark reminder of just how fine the margins are at the top of Formula 1.
With qualifying approaching and the championship still undecided, the spotlight now turns to whether Tsunoda remains a footnote—or becomes a decisive factor in one of the most important races in recent F1 history.
