The title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has taken another dramatic twist as the FIA officially noted an on-track incident between Yuki Tsunoda and championship leader Lando Norris, moments after a tense exchange on the RB driver’s team radio.
The trigger appears to be Norris’ move on Tsunoda at Turn 14, where the McLaren driver briefly left the track while completing the overtake — raising questions over whether he gained a lasting advantage by running outside track limits.
What the FIA is reviewing
Early footage suggests that Norris completed the pass while not fully on the racing surface. Under FIA rules, a driver leaving the track and overtaking must demonstrate that:
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No lasting advantage was gained, and
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The manoeuvre was completed safely without forcing another driver off the track.
This is likely what prompted race control to note the exchange for review.
A noted incident is not an automatic investigation, but it signals that stewards are monitoring the move for potential compliance issues.
Tsunoda’s radio adds to the drama
Just seconds before the moment, Tsunoda delivered a firm message to his engineer:
“I know what to do, so leave it to me.”
The RB driver had been defending aggressively, aware of Norris’ championship position and determined not to yield cheaply — making the overtake even more scrutinised.
What happened earlier in the race
Verstappen controls the opening laps
Lap 9/58: Max Verstappen stormed into an early lead, immediately setting the fastest lap and opening a two-second gap to Oscar Piastri. Red Bull instructed him to manage tyres, indicating a long first stint strategy.
Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes fourth or lower to take the world title.
Norris withstands Leclerc pressure
Lap 13/58: Lando Norris came under intense pressure from Charles Leclerc in the opening laps but defended superbly. He has since extended the gap to over a second, settling into third — the exact position he needs to secure his maiden championship.
Russell triggers pit-stop action
Lap 14/58: George Russell became the first major name to pit, signalling the start of the strategic battle. With a powerful undercut in Abu Dhabi, timing will be critical for McLaren and Ferrari.
Championship stakes as the FIA reviews the note
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Norris is champion if he finishes P3 or higher
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Verstappen becomes champion if he wins and Norris is P4 or lower
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Piastri needs P1 or P2 and both rivals outside the podium to remain in contention
As FIA scrutiny hangs over Norris’ pass on Tsunoda, the title fight tightens even further — turning the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix into one of Formula 1’s most nerve-racking finales in recent memory.
