Why Norris avoided penalty for off-track Tsunoda overtake in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris was not penalized for overtaking Yuki Tsunoda off the track during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because race stewards determined the McLaren driver was forced off by Tsunoda's erratic defending. While Tsunoda received a five-second penalty for his actions, Norris's move was deemed legal under the 'forced off' clause of the driving standards guidelines, a ruling that had no impact on the final championship outcome as Norris secured the title with a third-place finish.

Why it matters:

In a tense title-deciding race, any potential penalty for a championship contender can become a major controversy. The stewards' decision to apply the 'forced off' rule highlights the nuanced interpretation of racing incidents and reinforces that drivers cannot aggressively block without consequence. This ruling protected the integrity of the on-track battle and ensured the championship was decided by racing, not a post-race time penalty.

The details:

• The incident occurred as Norris, fighting for his first world championship, caught the slower Red Bull of Tsunoda, who was on a long first stint to act as a strategic roadblock for McLaren.
• On the straight between Turns 5 and 6, Tsunoda weaved multiple times in defense. Norris attempted the pass but put all four wheels over the white line on the left to avoid a collision.
• Both drivers were investigated: Tsunoda for making more than one change of direction while defending, and Norris for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
• The stewards' report stated that had Tsunoda not made those moves, Norris would have completed the overtake on the track. Therefore, Norris moving off was to avoid contact and he was effectively 'forced off.'
• The driving standards guidelines explicitly state that a car forced off the track is not considered to have exceeded track limits, which formed the basis for Norris's reprieve.

The big picture:

While the decision was technically correct, it underscores the high-pressure, split-second judgments stewards must make, especially in a season finale. Tsunoda's penalty for moving under braking served its purpose in penalizing dangerous driving, while absolving Norris recognized he was a victim of that action. Ultimately, the call had no bearing on the championship, as Norris finished seven seconds clear of the driver in fourth, but it sets a clear precedent for similar incidents in the future.