The already chaotic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has taken another twist as the FIA confirmed that multiple investigations have been initiated, moments after Williams driver Alex Albon received a 5-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
Albon penalised for pit-lane speeding
Williams’ Alex Albon was handed an immediate 5-second penalty after stewards recorded him exceeding the mandatory 80 km/h pit-lane speed limit at Yas Marina.
Pit-lane speeding is treated as a strict, automatic violation because of the extreme safety risks posed to mechanics and marshals working in confined space.
Williams acknowledged the infringement on the radio, with Albon visibly frustrated as the penalty further complicated his race strategy.
FIA investigation initiated
Minutes after issuing Albon’s penalty, FIA officials confirmed that a separate investigation has been opened — details of which are still emerging during the live race.
The governing body noted the incident in the official race log, signalling that stewards may review:
- A potential unsafe release
- A pit-lane infringement involving another team
- Or a procedural violation that occurred during pit stops
More information is expected as the FIA continues gathering video and telemetry evidence.
A tense evening at Yas Marina
With the world championship still undecided between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, every steward ruling is carrying massive weight.
The Tsunoda penalty, the earlier Norris overtake investigation, and now Albon’s speeding offence have created one of the most scrutinised finales in recent F1 history.