F1 drivers' penalty points: Who is close to a ban?

Sam Hall
Monday 9 October 2023 00:32 - Updated: 00:32

The Japanese Grand Prix saw Sergio Perez sensationally unretire his car from the race in order to serve a penalty, in order to save himself from being affected in Qatar soon.

Logan Sargeant was also given a five-second time penalty for causing a collision with Valtteri Bottas, and earned two penalty points, giving him four in the past 12 months.

Perez, meanwhile, received his five-second time penalty for overtaking under safety car conditions. He later received another five-second penalty for causing a collision with Kevin Magnussen, but soon retired from the race.

F1 rules state that if a driver does not serve a penalty because the car does not finish the race, the punishment can become a grid penalty at the subsequent race. Therefore, Perez made sure to come back onto the track after retiring in order to serve his penalty.

Though the Red Bull driver managed to circumvent further punishment in this unusual manner... which drivers could be nearing a ban sometime soon?

READ MORE: Russell suffers incredible EMBARRASSMENT while driving to the grid

Penalty points explained

Alongside time penalties, driving infringements also carry penalty points to ensure driving standards are maintained.

These points expire after 12 months have elapsed, but will result in a race ban should 12 points be accrued during this period.

GPFans has compiled a list of the points currently accrued by drivers and when they will expire. This article will be updated throughout the year.

Red Bull

Max Verstappen - Two points

Sergio Perez - Four points

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc - Zero points

Carlos Sainz - Two points

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton - Four points

George Russell - Four points

Alpine

Esteban Ocon - Zero points

Pierre Gasly - 3 points

McLaren

Lando Norris - Two point

Oscar Piastri - Zero points