Red Bull Fined, Tsunoda Warned After FP3 Incident with Norris in Abu Dhabi

Yuki Tsunoda received a warning and Red Bull Racing was fined €10,000 following an incident with Lando Norris during FP3 at the Yas Marina Circuit. The near-collision, which saw Norris forced off track, occurred approximately 25 minutes into the final free practice session of the season.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights the critical importance of situational awareness and clear communication on track, even in practice sessions. Penalties for such incidents, especially fines for teams, serve as a reminder of the strict regulations governing driver conduct and team responsibilities, underscoring the high standards expected in Formula 1.

The Details:

• Incident: Yuki Tsunoda (then driving for AlphaTauri, a Red Bull sister team) nearly collided with Lando Norris of McLaren during FP3.
• Location: The near-miss happened at Turn 12 of the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
• Driver Action: Norris had to take evasive action, going off-track to avoid Tsunoda.
• Tsunoda's Reaction: The Japanese driver immediately acknowledged his error by raising his hand in apology.
• Stewards' Decision:
  • Tsunoda was issued a formal warning for the incident.
  • Red Bull Racing (the parent company of AlphaTauri, under whose sporting license Tsunoda was competing at the time) was fined €10,000.
• Severity: While a warning for a driver is less severe than a grid penalty, a team fine for an FP3 incident indicates the stewards' emphasis on safety and preventing potential disruptions to other drivers' laps, particularly as teams fine-tune their setups before qualifying.

Between the lines:

While seemingly minor, such incidents in practice can significantly disrupt a team's preparation. Norris being forced off track could have compromised his car's setup or even led to damage, impacting McLaren's readiness for qualifying and the race. The consistent application of penalties, even for seemingly small infractions, reinforces the structured and disciplined environment of F1.

What's next:

Teams and drivers will take this as a fresh reminder to maintain vigilance throughout all sessions. For Tsunoda, this warning adds to his experience, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness on a crowded track. For Red Bull, the financial penalty serves as a direct cost for procedural lapses related to driver communication or track awareness during practice.