The F1 penalty points system has been a structure put in place to help keep the driving standards above a threshold. This system was introduced in 2014 and was a direct consequence of a recent generation of drivers in 2010 who were too crash-prone. With no definitive structure in place, giving drivers like Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado the same generic penalties did not appear to be the right thing.
As a result, a new system was introduced, as part of which, if a driver commits on-track transgressions, then he gets F1 penalty points. These points stay with the driver for a period of 12 months before they expire.
Kevin Magnussen was the first driver to get banned as he crossed the 12-point threshold. With that being said, as we get ready for the F1 Bahrain GP, which drivers are closest to a ban? Let’s take a look at the top 5 delinquents on the grid.
F1 Penalty Points: Who is close to a ban?
#1 Franco Colapinto
Penalty Points: 4
Franco Colapinto has 4 penalty points to his name.
- Two points: Overtaking under yellow flag conditions (expires on Aug 23, 2027)
- One point: Failing to slow for the yellow flag (expires on Aug 23, 2027)
- One point: Failing to slow for the yellow flag (expires on Jun 15, 2027)
#2 Carlos Sainz
Penalty Points: 4
Carlos Sainz has four penalty points.
- Two points: Yellow Flag Infringement at the F1 Azerbaijan GP
- Two points: Causing a collision with Kimi Antonelli in the US GP (expires on October 20, 2026)
#3 Lance Stroll
Penalty Points: 3
Lance Stroll currently has three F1 penalty points on his license.
- One point: Change of direction while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
- Two points: Causing a collision with Esteban Ocon at the US GP sprint (expires on October 18, 2026)
#4 Liam Lawson
Penalty Points: 3
Liam Lawson has three F1 penalty points on his Super License.
- One point: Yellow flag infringement in the 2026 Dutch GP (expires on August 23, 2027)
- One point: Driving erratically while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
- One point: Causing a collision in the Brazilian GP (expires on November 8, 2026)
#5 Arvid Lindblad
Penalty Points: 2
Arvid Lindblad has two F1 penalty points to his name.
- Two points: Yellow flag infringement in the 2026 Dutch GP (expires on August 23, 2027)
