The F1 penalty points system threatens to sideline key drivers Max Verstappen and Ollie Bearman ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix as both sit perilously close to the 12-point threshold that triggers a race ban within a 12-month period. This system assigns penalty points to drivers for on-track infractions, which accumulate over a year and put their participation at risk.

Drivers Approaching Suspension Due to Penalty Points

F1’s penalty points system is designed to deter dangerous driving by penalizing drivers who commit race incidents. Each infraction adds points to a driver’s record, which remain valid for 12 months. Upon reaching 12 points, a driver faces an automatic race ban, intensifying the pressure on those nearing this limit.

Among the current contenders, Yuki Tsunoda has accrued five penalty points. His record includes one point for causing a collision with Ollie Bearman during the British GP (expires July 6, 2026), two points for colliding with Franco Colapinto at the Austrian GP (expires June 29, 2026), and two points for overtaking under red flag conditions at the Canadian GP (expires June 14, 2026).

Lance Stroll holds six penalty points, stemming from multiple incidents: two points for pushing another driver off-track at the Canadian GP (expires June 15, 2026), one point each for causing a collision and impeding during qualifying at the Monaco GP (both expire May 25, 2026), and two points for a collision with Alex Albon at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025).

Liam Lawson also sits at six points, matching his recent sixth-place race finish. His infractions include one point for a collision at the Miami GP (expires May 3, 2026), three points total at the Bahrain GP for two collisions (expires April 14, 2026), and two points for a collision with Valtteri Bottas at the Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025).

Ollie Bearman and Max Verstappen Racing Against the Clock

Ollie Bearman is in the most precarious position with eight penalty points. His score includes four points from a red flag infringement in the pit lane at the British GP (expires July 6, 2026), two points for a red flag infringement during Monaco GP FP2 (expires May 23, 2026), and two points for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the 2024 Brazilian GP (expires November 2, 2025). These errors have pushed Bearman close to a suspension.

Max Verstappen, currently holding nine penalty points, is the driver most at risk. Verstappen’s penalties include three points for a collision with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish GP (expires June 1, 2026), two points for a collision with Oscar Piastri at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (expires December 8, 2025), one point for obstructed qualifying by driving slowly in the 2024 Qatar GP (expires December 1, 2025), one point for a virtual safety car infringement during the 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint (expires November 1, 2025), and two points for forcing Lando Norris off-track at the 2024 Mexican GP (expires October 27, 2025).

Tight Margins and High Stakes Before the Hungarian GP

As the Hungarian Grand Prix approaches, the situation places considerable strain on drivers like Verstappen and Bearman, whose accumulating penalty points threaten their presence on race day. The penalty points system emphasizes accountability but also adds tension for drivers skating close to suspension. This dynamic raises concerns among teams and fans alike about how aggressive driving and mistakes could impact championship prospects. The months ahead will be crucial in seeing whether Verstappen or Bearman can avoid crossing the suspension line or if they will face enforced absences due to their penalty points totals.