Yuki Tsunoda Given Additional Sanction After Controversial Clash With Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi Finale
Yuki Tsunoda’s final outing as a Formula 1 driver ended in frustration and controversy, as the Japanese racer was handed not just one but two separate penalties for his aggressive defence against newly-crowned world champion Lando Norris. The incident unfolded during the dramatic 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a race packed with tension as Norris fought to secure his maiden F1 title while Red Bull worked relentlessly to keep Max Verstappen’s hopes alive.
The flashpoint occurred shortly after Norris completed his first pit stop. Rejoining the track behind Tsunoda, the McLaren driver found himself stuck behind the RB machine, which was effectively being used as a buffer to slow him down. Team radio communications later confirmed that Red Bull had instructed Tsunoda to make life as difficult as possible for Norris, a tactic often employed in championship-deciding moments.
Tsunoda took the instruction literally. Down the main straight, he defended aggressively and made multiple changes of direction, resulting in Norris being squeezed dangerously close to the track limits. With no room left to safely complete the move, the McLaren star was forced completely off the circuit to avoid contact. The manoeuvre was immediately noted by the FIA stewards.
During the race, Tsunoda was slapped with a five-second time penalty, a standard punishment for forcing another driver off the track. However, the scrutiny did not end there. After reviewing additional video footage, team radio messages, and in-car camera angles, the stewards concluded that Tsunoda’s driving was not just overly defensive, but unsafe and unsporting.
As a result, the FIA issued an extra penalty point on Tsunoda’s super licence, bringing his total to eight points, just four shy of an automatic race ban. While this could have spelled trouble for 2026, it ultimately has little practical impact—Tsunoda will not be racing next season after being replaced by rising star Isack Hadjar. Still, the added penalty point serves as a final mark in what may be Tsunoda’s last appearance on the Formula 1 grid.
In their detailed report, the stewards stated:
> “The Stewards reviewed video, team radio and in-car video evidence. Car 4 was making an overtaking move on Car 22. Car 22 made a number of changes of direction which ultimately resulted in Car 4 having to go off track to avoid a collision. In doing so, Car 22 also effectively forced Car 4 off the track.”
The decision reinforces Formula 1’s ongoing crackdown on erratic defensive manoeuvres, particularly those involving multiple changes of direction in the braking zone or on straights, where speeds are highest and small misjudgements can cause severe accidents.
This incident also raised larger questions about the ethics of using junior team drivers as strategic tools in title battles. Red Bull’s decision to order Tsunoda to obstruct Norris—even though RB is technically a separate team—sparked debate among fans and pundits about sporting fairness and the blurred lines between team alliances.
Despite Tsunoda’s actions, Norris maintained his composure, recovering quickly after the off-track moment and ensuring he finished on the podium, sealing his first Formula 1 World Championship. His calm handling of the situation was widely praised, especially given the immense pressure of the title decider.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also saw another penalty issued—this time to Liam Lawson. The New Zealand driver received a penalty point of his own, alongside a five-second time penalty, for erratic driving during the race. While Lawson’s offence was less dramatic, it contributed to a busy night for the stewards, who had several incidents to review in a high-stakes season finale.
For Tsunoda, the Abu Dhabi race will likely be remembered as a disappointing end to an F1 chapter marked by both flashes of brilliance and moments of controversy. His aggressive style has earned admiration for its excitement but criticism for inconsistency. The added penalty point underscores how fine the margins are between tough racing and rule breaches, especially in a sport increasingly focused on safety and fairness.
As Formula 1 moves toward the 2026 season, the fallout from the Abu Dhabi weekend will continue to be discussed. From Red Bull’s tactical manoeuvres to the FIA’s strict enforcement of driving standards, the race offered a final reminder of how intense and politically complex championship battles can become.
