The ongoing 2025 Formula 1 season has highlighted growing tensions among drivers as the threat of race bans looms due to the controversial penalty points system. They were Introduced to regulate driver behaviour, accumulating 12 points within a 12-month span results in a one-race suspension, leaving racers under constant scrutiny.
F1 Drivers Face Increased Risk of Race Bans as Penalty Points System Tightens
With former Haas driver Kevin Magnussen’s recent race ban still fresh in memory, questions arise: Are other current drivers at risk of facing similar consequences?
The penalty points system monitors drivers’ adherence to F1’s regulations. Accumulated points can lead to severe penalties, including race bans, significantly impacting championship standings. Below is a summary of the current drivers and their respective penalty points:
What Are Penalty Points and How Many Do Each 2025 F1 Driver Have?
| Driver | Team | Points | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 8 | 30 June 2025 |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 5 | 1 December 2025 |
| Oscar Piastri | Mclaren | 4 | 3 November 2025 |
| Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | 4 | 29 June 2025 |
| Jack Doohan | Alpine | 4 | 22 March 2026 |
| Lando Norris | McLaren | 3 | 1 December 2025 |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | 3 | 4 May 2025 |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | 3 | 5 May 2025 |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | 2 | 3 November 2025 |
| Alexander Albon | Williams | 2 | 1 December 2025 |
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 2 | 30 June 2025 |
| Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 2 | 1 December 2025 |
| George Russell | Mercedes | 1 | 1 December 2025 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 0 | – |
| Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 0 | – |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 0 | – |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 0 | – |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 0 | – |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 0 | – |
| Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 0 | – |
Max Verstappen: The Penalty Points Leader
As of now, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the field with eight penalty points. Key incidents leading to his accumulating penalties include causing a collision at last year’s Austrian Grand Prix and incidents in Mexico, Brazil, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. With the risk of a race ban looming, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring Verstappen’s behaviour in upcoming races.
Points Breakdown for Verstappen
- 2 Points (Austrian Grand Prix): Collision with Lando Norris
- 2 Points (Mexican Grand Prix): Forcing another driver off the track
- 1 Point (Brazilian Grand Prix): Speeding under virtual safety conditions
- 1 Point (Qatar Grand Prix): Driving unnecessarily slowly during cooldown lap
- 2 Points (Abu Dhabi Grand Prix): Collision with Oscar Piastri
Rising Young Talents Under Pressure
Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson has emerged as a rising star but finds himself second in penalty points with five accrued over just 15 races. Lawson’s penalties stemmed from collisions in both Qatar and Bahrain, raising concerns about his aggressive racing style and potential future penalties.
Mixed Performances from Championship Contenders
Oscar Piastri, the current championship leader, currently has four penalty points, primarily from collisions at the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. His performances raise questions about his aggressive driving approach, especially as he vies for the title.
Points Snapshot for Other Contenders
- Nico Hulkenberg: Also at four points with penalties from the Austrian and Italian Grands Prix.
- Jack Doohan: Accumulated four points over just six starts, raising alarms about his track discipline.
The Implication of Penalty Points
With tighter regulations and heightened scrutiny, Formula 1’s penalty points system continues to shape the competitive landscape. As the season progresses, drivers will face increased pressure to maintain their composure and avoid incidents that could jeopardise their championship pursuits.
As fans gear up for the next race weekend, all eyes will be on how drivers manage their aggression and navigate the complexities of F1’s strict regulatory framework. The stakes could not be higher.