**F1 Penalty Points System: Which Drivers Are Close to a Ban?**
The Formula 1 penalty points system was introduced by the FIA in 2014 to maintain high driving standards on track. This system serves as a metric to hold repeat offenders accountable if they cross the line in terms of driving behavior.
Under this system, drivers receive penalty points for on-track transgressions. The severity of the offense determines the number of points assigned—the worse the infraction, the more points are handed out. These points remain on a driver’s license for a 12-month period. If a driver accumulates 12 points within that time frame, they receive an automatic race ban.
So far, only Kevin Magnussen has been banned through this system, which happened last season. As we approach the Brazilian Grand Prix, let’s take a look at which drivers are close to hitting the 12-point ban threshold.
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### #5 Liam Lawson – Penalty Points: 6
Liam Lawson currently sits fifth on the list, with six penalty points.
– 1 point: Causing a collision at the Miami GP (expires May 3, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision at the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)
– 1 point: Another collision at the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Valtteri Bottas at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025)
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### #4 Oscar Piastri – Penalty Points: 6
Surprisingly, Oscar Piastri is also on six penalty points. Known for generally clean wheel-to-wheel racing, this tally shows even precise drivers can find themselves in trouble.
– 2 points: Erratic braking in front of Max Verstappen before a restart (expires July 6, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP (expires December 8, 2025)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Liam Lawson at the 2024 Brazilian GP (expires November 2, 2025)
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### #3 Lance Stroll – Penalty Points: 7
Lance Stroll is currently at seven penalty points.
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Esteban Ocon at the US GP sprint (expires October 20, 2026)
– 2 points: Pushing another driver off track at the Canadian GP (expires June 15, 2026)
– 1 point: Causing a collision with Charles Leclerc at the Monaco GP (expires May 25, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Alex Albon at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025)
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### #2 Max Verstappen – Penalty Points: 7
Max Verstappen is no longer the driver with the most penalty points but still remains within striking distance of a ban.
– 3 points: Causing a collision with George Russell during the 2025 Spanish GP (expires June 1, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Oscar Piastri at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP (expires December 8, 2025)
– 1 point: Driving unnecessarily slowly during the 2024 Qatar GP qualifying (expires December 1, 2025)
– 1 point: Virtual Safety Car (VSC) infringement in the 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint (expires November 1, 2025)
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### #1 Ollie Bearman – Penalty Points: 10
Now alarmingly close to a race ban, Ollie Bearman tops the list with 10 penalty points. The British driver has recently taken over as the driver with the most points on the current grid.
– 4 points: Red flag infringement in the pitlane during the British GP (expires July 6, 2026)
– 2 points: Red flag infringement in Monaco GP FP2 (expires May 23, 2026)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the 2024 Brazilian GP (expires November 2, 2025)
– 2 points: Causing a collision with Carlos Sainz at the 2025 Italian GP (expires September 7, 2026)
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As the season progresses, these drivers will need to be extra cautious to avoid further penalties that could lead to a race ban. Stay tuned for updates as the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend approaches.
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*Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli.*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/f1-penalty-points-top-5-delinquents-2025-f1-brazilian-gp