On Saturday, ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the governing body FIA revealed it has opened an inquiry into a tense moment during the final practice session (FP3) involving two drivers: Lando Norris of McLaren and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull Racing. The incident — which could have led to a serious crash — threatens to overshadow what is already a high-stakes headline event.
The Incident at FP3
During his final practice session at the Yas Marina Circuit, Norris was preparing to push his McLaren for a fast lap when, coming around Turn 11 — a technical corner inside the hotel section of the track — he rapidly approached Tsunoda’s Red Bull, which was moving slowly and awkwardly positioned right on the racing line. Tsunoda’s car was nearly stationary on the apex of the corner, and with Norris closing in at high speed, the situation turned into a dangerous near-miss. Norris had to react immediately, sharply swerving to avoid a rear-end collision. What followed was an intense moment that played out over team radio, revealing Norris’s shock and frustration at finding Tsunoda stationary in such a treacherous spot.
Tsunoda later acknowledged the error, admitting that he failed to check his mirrors properly before locking into the racing line — an omission that, in the context of a high-speed lap, nearly resulted in disaster.
FIA Investigation and Punishment
The stewards from the FIA immediately flagged the incident for review, even though FP3 is a practice session rather than an official qualifying or race session. After evaluating video footage, telemetry, and hearing statements from both teams and drivers, the FIA concluded that Tsunoda had impeded Norris by not clearing the racing line in time and failing to anticipate Norris’s approach.
Rather than issuing a sporting penalty — which is more common when such infractions occur during qualifying or a race — the FIA opted for disciplinary measures appropriate for a practice session. Tsunoda received an official warning for his lapse, but avoided a grid drop for the upcoming race. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing was fined €10,000 for not managing the situation and ensuring its driver was correctly positioned, especially at a sensitive phase of high-speed running.
This resolution means Norris — who remains a front-runner in the drivers’ championship — enters qualifying and the decisive race at Abu Dhabi with no further disadvantage stemming from the FP3 incident.
Why This Matters — Championship Context & Strategic Risks
What appears to be a resolved practice-session scare carries larger significance given how close the title fight is as the season draws to its climax. With Norris still in contention for his maiden world championship crown, every session of the weekend is under heavy scrutiny. The near-miss triggered by Tsunoda may — on paper — be closed for now, but many observers are asking whether it could foreshadow strategic or on-track tactics during the Grand Prix itself.
Given that Tsunoda is driving his last race as a full-time Red Bull driver (with a younger teammate set to replace him in 2026), there is speculation he might be more aggressive than usual — not least because his future with the team is uncertain. This has raised questions about whether he could, intentionally or not, become a factor affecting the outcome of the championship decider.
In that sense, Tsunoda’s position on the grid — should he qualify near the front — might complicate matters for McLaren. A Red Bull car ahead of or between the McLarens could disrupt McLaren’s strategies for clean air, pit timing, or overall race rhythm. That scenario could benefit the other title contender from Red Bull, especially if team dynamics or race-time tactics come into play.
Reactions and What Comes Next
Immediately after the incident, team radio cuts captured Norris’s frustration as he questioned Tsunoda’s decision to linger on the racing line in such a dangerous part of the track. Tsunoda’s subsequent apology indicated he recognized the seriousness of the mistake.
From the FIA’s standpoint, the decision to issue only a warning — and a fine — reflects the fact the incident occurred in a practice session. Sporting penalties such as grid drops are typically reserved for qualifying or race infringements, where competitive advantage is at stake. The disciplinary route taken suggests that the stewards prioritized deterrence and safety awareness over competition-related punishment.
Still, with the championship still in the balance, this incident could hover over the weekend like a dark cloud — especially if Tsunoda finds himself near the front of the field in the race. Fans and teams might scrutinize his every move, watching for anything that could influence the title outcome. Moreover, given that this is his final race as a full-time driver for Red Bull, Tsunoda may feel pressure to perform — potentially affecting his choices behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts — Small Incident, Big Implications
What might have seemed like a fleeting moment of danger during a practice session ended up creating a ripple effect with major championship implications. With the FIA’s investigation closing — for now — with a warning and fine, the most visible outcome is that Norris’s championship bid remains unimpeded for the weekend. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how slender the margins are at the top level of racing: a few metres, a fraction of a second, a glance in the mirror — and a championship could tilt one way or the other.
Whether this episode becomes a mere footnote or a pivotal subplot in the title fight depends now on how the rest of the weekend plays out — especially qualifying and Sunday’s race. Given the stakes, many in the paddock will be watching Tsunoda’s every move, for better or worse.
