As the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its midpoint, attention turns to the drivers accumulating the most F1 penalty points, with several now dangerously close to reaching the 12-point limit that triggers a race ban. Heading into the Belgian Grand Prix, this list of F1 penalty points top delinquents reveals the ongoing battle between aggressive driving and rule enforcement on the grid.
Last season, Kevin Magnussen faced the consequence of hitting that threshold when he was forced to miss the race in Baku, a fate now looming over others including Ollie Bearman, who is approaching the critical limit. The following sections outline the five drivers closest to a potential suspension and their penalty details.
Current Standings Among Drivers Nearing Race Suspension
Yuki Tsunoda has accumulated five penalty points as a result of multiple infractions this year. Most recently, he received one point for causing a collision with Ollie Bearman at the British GP. Additional penalties include two points for a collision with Franco Colapinto during the Austrian GP and another two points for overtaking under red flag conditions at the Canadian GP. Each of these points carries an expiration date extending into 2026.
Lance Stroll sits just above Yuki with six points on his license. His penalties include two points for pushing another driver off the track at the Canadian GP, one point each for causing a collision and impeding during qualifying at the Monaco GP, and two points for a collision with Alex Albon at the Qatar GP. These infractions collectively place Stroll in a precarious position as the season progresses.
Liam Lawson shares the six-point tally, reflecting his involvement in several collisions. He earned one point for a crash in Miami and three points total for two separate incidents during the Bahrain GP. Lawson’s record indicates a need for greater caution to keep his racing status clear.
Drivers on the Brink of a Suspension
Ollie Bearman, the British driver, has now reached eight penalty points, moving him even closer to the crucial limit. His most severe infringements include four points for a red flag violation in the pit lane during the British GP and two points for a similar red flag breach during free practice at Monaco. Additionally, Bearman has two points from causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the 2024 Brazilian GP, making him a serious candidate for a future racing ban if this trend continues.
Max Verstappen currently leads this group with nine penalty points. His penalties are notable for their severity and variety: three points for a collision with George Russell in the Spanish GP, two points each for accidents involving Oscar Piastri in Abu Dhabi and for forcing Lando Norris off the track in Mexico. Furthermore, Verstappen received one point for unnecessarily slow driving in Qatar qualifying and another for a Virtual Safety Car infringement in the Brazilian GP sprint. With so many points piling up, Verstappen’s aggressive racing style is under intense scrutiny as he nears the suspension threshold.
Implications and the Road Ahead for Troubled Drivers
Drivers who reach a total of 12 penalty points face an automatic ban for the next race, which can severely impact their championship aspirations. Kevin Magnussen’s missed race in Baku last season serves as a stark example of the consequences awaiting those who do not adjust their race conduct. The current state of these five drivers introduces tension and uncertainty heading into the Belgian GP, as even a minor incident could sideline one of them.
This tight margin highlights the increasing challenge faced by drivers who must balance competitiveness and clean racing. With the Belgian GP on the horizon, teams and drivers will be watching the penalty standings closely, knowing a single misstep could cost valuable track time and championship points, intensifying the pressure on these top F1 penalty points delinquents.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, drivers can choose the number 13. In 2014, when the permanent number system started, Pastor Maldonado picked 13. While some cultures think 13 is unlucky, F1 lets drivers decide.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a racer from Britain in Formula One. He competes with Mercedes and has driven for McLaren too. He openly talks about his experience with ADHD and shares his various interests and hobbies.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. F1 drivers can select a fixed number ranging from 2 to 99, except for 17, to use for their entire racing career.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British race car driver born in 1985. He competes in Formula One for Mercedes and once drove for McLaren. Hamilton openly shares his experiences with ADHD and talks about his various interests and passions.