Stewards Explain Why Lando Norris Avoided Penalty as F1 Fans Question Decision

Lando Norris avoided a potentially title-deciding penalty in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – a decision that has sparked plenty of debate amongst fans on social media.

It was an evening to remember for Norris, who was crowned Britain's 11th F1 world champion after finishing the 2025 campaign with 423 points, two points ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Verstappen secured victory at Yas Marina but Norris' third-place podium finish was enough to secure his first drivers' championship. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, came in third with 410 points.

One of the big talking points from Sunday's race involved Norris and Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda, who were both investigated by stewards after Norris passed Tsunoda between turns five and six.

Tsunoda was investigated for changing his line on more than one occasion and Norris was placed under the microscope for leaving the track as he passed the Red Bull driver.

After a nervy wait, Tsunoda received a five-second penalty, while Norris escaped without punishment. It was a decision that sparked a huge amount of reaction.

One fan wrote: "If it was anyone but Lando Norris, that's a drive-through penalty for leaving the track to overtake. Stewards playing favorites again?" and a second said: "Your telling me Tsunoda got a penalty for Norris crossing the line for taking his position. This is absolutely absurd."

A third said: "THANK YOU, STEWARDS!! There was no point in giving any penalty to Norris there. Freaking TSUNODA was weaving all over the place."

A fourth wrote: "Regardless the weaving, Norris still overtook off track. That should be a time penalty," and a fifth added: "Could’ve gone to the right, chose to go off track to complete the pass. How’s it not a penalty?"

Yuki Tsunoda was penalized for more than one change of direction. Should Lando Norris have been penalized as well for overtaking off track? pic.twitter.com/6nyxdfNt6j

— Motorsport (@Motorsport) December 7, 2025

Full verdict from the stewards following investigation into Norris/Tsunoda incident

"The Stewards reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video and in-car video evidence.

"The driver of Car 4 (Norris) overtook Car 22 (Tsunoda) off track; however, this occurred because the driver of Car 22 made multiple moves defending his position against Car 4.

"Had Car 22 not made those moves, Car 4 would have overtaken it without going off track but moved off track to avoid contact with Car 22.

"Further, the Driving Standards Guidelines provide that if a car is “forced off” (which was effectively what occurred here), it is not considered to have exceeded track limits.

"Whilst technically the overtake took place off track, we determine in view of the above, to take no further action.

"Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

"Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented."