The FIA’s F1 drivers penalty points update reveals Max Verstappen dangerously nearing a suspension as he holds nine points, just three short of the 12-point ban threshold, ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix. The penalty system, established in 2014 to enforce race discipline, assigns points based on the severity of driving offenses that can accumulate over time, risking race bans for repeat offenders.
Overview of the Current Penalty Points Standings
The penalty points system records violations such as collisions, ignoring flag signals, or unsporting behavior during races. Among the drivers, Verstappen is currently the closest to facing a potential ban, with several other competitors also carrying notable points on their licenses as the summer break concludes.
Lando Norris holds three penalty points for ignoring yellow flags during the 2024 Qatar GP; these points will expire in December 2025. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri has accumulated six points from various incidents, including erratic braking in front of Verstappen during a restart and collisions at the Abu Dhabi and Brazilian Grands Prix.
The lead Ferrari driver has one penalty point after erratic driving while defending against George Russell during the Hungarian GP. Despite some challenging results this season, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton currently maintains a clean penalty record.
Max Verstappen’s Penalty Points Breakdown
Max Verstappen’s current total of nine penalty points is the highest on the grid, generated from multiple incidents:
- Three points for causing a collision with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish GP (expiring June 1, 2026)
- Two points for a collision with Oscar Piastri during the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP (expiring December 8, 2025)
- One point for driving unnecessarily slowly in the 2024 Qatar GP qualifying (expiring December 1, 2025)
- One point for a Virtual Safety Car infringement in the 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint (expiring November 1, 2025)
- Two points for forcing Lando Norris off track during the 2024 Mexican GP (expiring October 27, 2025)
These points highlight Verstappen’s aggressive race style, which has drawn repeated scrutiny from stewards. With only three points separating him from a possible race ban, the upcoming Dutch GP adds pressure to his campaign.
Other Noteworthy Drivers and Their Penalty Points Status
Several other drivers are also gathering penalty points, raising concerns about potential future suspensions. Yuki Tsunoda has five points after causing collisions in the British GP and Austrian GP, as well as overtaking under red flag conditions during the Canadian GP. George Russell carries one point due to a safety car infringement in Qatar.
Kimi Antonelli, a rookie, recently received two points for a collision with Verstappen in Austria, marking his first penalty points in Formula 1. Fernando Alonso has cleared his record after losing his previous penalty points, entering the season with a clean slate.
Lance Stroll holds six penalty points thanks to incidents such as pushing another driver off track in Canada and collisions with Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon. Pierre Gasly has added two points due to a collision with Carlos Sainz in Hungary, while Franco Colapinto owns three points from pushing a driver off track and causing a collision with Liam Lawson in Mexico.
Emerging Risks: Drivers Approaching Ban Limits
Ollie Bearman has moved into a precarious zone with eight penalty points. His infractions include a four-point red flag infringement in the British GP pit lane, a two-point red flag infringement during Monaco GP practice, and a collision with Franco Colapinto at the Brazilian GP. Liam Lawson is also close, having accumulated six points from multiple collisions across several races, such as Miami and Bahrain.
Other drivers maintaining penalty points with a lesser count include Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, both with two points each due to collisions in Bahrain and Qatar respectively, and Nico, who has two points after a collision with Yuki Tsunoda during the 2024 Italian GP. Meanwhile, rookies like Isack Hadjar and Esteban Ocon remain free of penalty points so far this season.
Implications for the Season and Driver Conduct
The current F1 drivers penalty points update reflects a tense and tightly monitored environment as the FIA continues to enforce regulations aimed at protecting race safety and fairness. Verstappen’s proximity to a ban underlines the thin line elite drivers walk between aggressive competition and regulatory breaches. This situation not only impacts driver behavior but could influence team strategies and championship outcomes as the season progresses toward the Dutch GP and beyond.
Without a doubt, penalty points will remain a critical factor for all drivers, especially those nearing the suspension threshold. The coming races will test their capacity to balance competitive instincts with disciplined racing, as the threat of race bans looms and the battle for championship points intensifies.