Recently, drivers have repeatedly criticized the penalty points system in Formula 1 – a review is to take place in the winter, but no major changes are expected
The penalty points system in Formula 1 could change in the future. In light of Kevin Magnussen’s suspension for the recent race in Baku, it is to be discussed in detail by the championship’s stakeholders this winter
The current system, where drivers are suspended for a race if they reach twelve penalty points, has been a key issue for drivers since Magnussen reached ten penalty points after several infringements in the early races of the season – particularly following his rule breaches at the Miami race in May.
When Haas driver Magnussen last collided with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly at Monza, he received two more penalty points as well as a ten-second time penalty, leading to his suspension for this weekend’s race in Azerbaijan. There he was replaced by Ollie Bearman, who will drive for Haas from 2025.
At the time, Gasly argued against the awarding of penalty points to Magnussen for their collision in the Italian race. The issue of double penalties, as Magnussen had already received a time penalty in the race, was also controversially discussed. Many drivers commented on this topic in Baku
Gasly: Magnussen penalty was too harsh
The situation was raised in the drivers’ meeting ahead of the race in Azerbaijan, and Gasly revealed after qualifying that the FIA was now “open” to reviewing the rules after listening to the drivers.
“Yes, I have asked them about the way forward. Because as a sport we never want to see anyone penalized in that way, and it was the opinion that it was a bit harsh,” Gasly affirms and is confident: ‘I think it’s definitely something they will review openly, which is the most important thing. ’
However, the process of reviewing the penalty points system has not yet been set in motion. First, the Sporting Advisory Committee SAC, an advisory body for new rule concepts consisting of FOM and FIA officials as well as the teams’ sporting directors, must discuss the issue.
This is to take place after the season, as it is FIA policy not to change sporting rules during a season in order to avoid distorting the competition.
No major changes to be expected
If the SAC concludes that a review is required, this will be carried out by the FIA and presented to Formula 1 stakeholders before any rule changes are incorporated into the regulations.
However, changes to the penalty point system could be minor. As Motorsport.com learned, the FIA informed the drivers in Baku that it had analyzed the number of penalty points awarded so far in the 2024 Formula 1 season and that this was only 2.2 points per race.
If you put this figure in relation to the decisions Magnussen has been involved in this year – namely 17 – the situation appears in a different light.
The last time the FIA revised all the rules on sporting incidents was after the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which means that minor infringements such as track limits no longer result in penalty points.