The F1 penalty points system, established in 2014, was created to provide the FIA and race stewards with a consistent method to evaluate driver conduct over time. Drivers receive penalty points for on-track infractions, which remain on their record for one year before expiring. Accumulating 12 penalty points results in an automatic race ban, a situation narrowly avoided by competitors like Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly recently. However, Kevin Magnussen reached this limit last season and became the first driver to serve such a ban.

Top Five Drivers with the Highest Penalty Points in 2025

As the 2025 season reaches its midpoint, several drivers are close to critical penalty thresholds. The top five offenders exhibit a range of recurring incidents placing their participation at risk.

Max Verstappen’s Limited but Notable Infractions

Ranking fifth in penalty points this season, Max Verstappen has largely maintained clean conduct despite a few exceptions. His primary penalty involved causing a collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, for which he received three points. While this incident was serious, it remains the sole significant issue for Verstappen this year.

• Three points: Causing a collision with George Russell during the 2025 F1 Spanish GP (expires June 1, 2026)

Lance Stroll’s Multiple Minor Infractions

Canadian driver Lance Stroll holds fourth place with four penalty points spread across three incidents. These include pushing another driver off track at the Canadian GP, causing a collision with Charles Leclerc at Monaco, and impeding during qualifying at Monaco. Stroll’s team will likely encourage cleaner racing to avoid escalating penalties later in the season.

• Two points: Pushing a driver off track at the Canadian GP (expires June 15, 2026)
• One point: Causing a collision with Charles Leclerc at the Monaco GP (expires May 25, 2026)
• One point: Impeding during qualifying at the Monaco GP (expires May 25, 2026)

Liam Lawson’s Troubled Season on Track

New Zealander Liam Lawson’s season has been marked by several incidents, leaving him with four penalty points. His penalties arose mainly from collisions in Miami and Bahrain Grand Prix events, indicating repeated difficulties in avoiding contact during races. Lawson faces growing pressure to refine his racecraft as penalty points accumulate.

• One point: Causing a collision in the Miami GP (expires May 3, 2026)
• Two points: Causing a collision in the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)
• One point: Causing a collision in the Bahrain GP (expires April 14, 2026)

Yuki Tsunoda’s Penalty Points Reflect Driving Challenges at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda has struggled with discipline on the track, accumulating five penalty points during the season. His infringements include causing collisions and overtaking inappropriately under red flag conditions, suggesting a pattern of risky behavior under pressure. These penalties may impact his standing with Red Bull if the trend continues.

• One point: Causing a collision with Ollie Bearman at the 2025 British GP (expires July 6, 2026)
• Two points: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the 2025 Austrian GP (expires June 29, 2026)
• Two points: Overtaking under red flag during the 2025 Canadian GP (expires June 14, 2026)

Ollie Bearman Exhibits the Highest Risk of Sanctions this Season

At the top of the list, British driver Ollie Bearman has amassed six penalty points due to red flag infringements in both the British Grand Prix pitlane and the Monaco GP FP2 session. His aggressive driving style appears coupled with a lack of situational awareness, placing him at major risk of a race ban if penalties accumulate further.

• Four points: Red flag infringement in the pitlane during British GP (expires July 6, 2026)
• Two points: Red flag infringement in Monaco GP FP2 (expires May 23, 2026)

The Implications of Rising Penalty Points for the 2025 Season

As penalty points approach critical thresholds, these drivers face the looming possibility of race bans that could profoundly affect their teams’ performances and championship standings. With the 2025 season ongoing, the FIA and stewards will continue to monitor behavior closely, balancing safety and competition. Drivers such as Ollie Bearman and Yuki Tsunoda must adapt swiftly to avoid sanctions that could derail their season campaigns.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?

A. In Formula 1, the only driver number that has been retired is 17. This honors Jules Bianchi, who tragically crashed while driving with this number at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British Formula One driver. He races for Mercedes and has also been with McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his various interests and passions.

Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?

A. Drivers can select a permanent number between 0 and 99, but not 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion can use the number 1 if they want, but it’s not mandatory.

Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?

A. Lewis Hamilton, also known as Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, was born in 1985. He is a British race car driver in Formula One, currently racing with Mercedes, and he has previously raced with McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his various interests and passions.