The issue of penalty points in Formula 1 is currently generating significant discussion, as numerous drivers are on the verge of receiving a race ban.
Several Formula 1 drivers have called for a rethink of how penalty points are distributed during race weekends, with a few approaching the 12-point threshold that would trigger a race ban.
After receiving several penalties this season, Kevin Magnussen’s Super Licence has now reached a total of 10 penalty points. However, Logan Sargeant, a driver from the Williams team, criticized what he considered a ridiculous penalty given to him in China. Sargeant received two penalty points for overtaking during Safety Car conditions, which he believed was an absurd decision.
Drivers call for penalty points rethink as 12-point threshold approaches
This season, Fernando Alonso has received two three-point penalties on his Super Licence due to infringements. The stewards have chosen to assign penalty points for various offenses according to their discretion.
Sargeant currently sits near top of these particular standings on eight penalty points, along with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, with any points accrued wiped after one year.
Although no driver has been banned for a race under this system, the possibility of a race ban happening is closer than ever before. Multiple drivers are just one incident away from being sidelined for a Grand Prix weekend. Sargeant disagrees with this situation and believes that the current distribution of penalty points should be reconsidered.
When asked about the ease of giving away penalty points in Formula 1, and having received more in China, Sargeant responded, “That’s an excellent question.”
In my opinion, my experience was incredibly frustrating. The penalty itself was one issue, but receiving penalty points for such a trivial matter seemed quite laughable.
I believe there are much more serious incidents that occur over the weekend for which you simply receive a reprimand.
Who is running closest to a race ban as it stands in Formula 1?
F1 penalty points: Kevin Magnussen on the edge of race ban after Miami punishments
F1 jargon decoded: Breaking down what key Formula 1 words mean
I have experienced instances where individuals in qualifying intentionally decrease their speed in front of me, coming dangerously close to causing significant accidents, yet miraculously, nothing untoward occurs.
However, when both myself and another person cross the line simultaneously and it goes unnoticed, we both receive two penalty points. I believe this is not a positive path to follow.
Lance Stroll, who is seated next to Sargeant, appeared slightly unfazed and commented, “Well, you know, it is what it is. Penalty points are here to stay.”
Perez approached the situation with a lighter perspective, jokingly remarking that he was currently leading the championship in penalty points, until Haas driver Magnussen took the undesired top spot from him.
In my opinion, the current penalties already hold individuals accountable for their actions. Adding penalty points on top of that, especially with an increase in races, is something that deserves closer examination.
There may be numerous instances where you observe drivers accumulating points, and many of these instances likely exceed the acceptable limit. However, it is important to acknowledge that the rule is in place to address such occurrences.
“However, we anticipate that in the future, it will be possible to assess the situation.”
Read next: F1 2024 strugglers giving drivers ‘a lot to consider’ before committing their futures
