With the 2025 Formula 1 season underway, the tightening grip of penalty points on drivers is becoming more evident. As the system becomes more liberally applied, two of the sport’s biggest names—Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso—find themselves dangerously close to a race ban.
F1’s penalty points system mirrors that of regular road laws, holding drivers accountable for reckless or rule-breaking behavior. Accumulating 12 points over a 12-month period results in an automatic one-race ban. Given that points expire on a rolling basis a year after they are issued, drivers must carefully manage their on-track conduct to avoid crossing the threshold.
In 2024, Kevin Magnussen made history as the first F1 driver to be sidelined by the system, receiving a race ban after hitting the dreaded 12-point limit. Now, in 2025, Verstappen and Alonso lead the field with the highest penalty tallies, each holding eight points.
Verstappen’s Long Wait for a Clean Slate
Of the two, Verstappen faces the bigger headache. The reigning world champion will not see any of his points drop off his FIA Super Licence until the end of June 2025, meaning he must tread carefully through much of the early season. A single serious incident could put him within touching distance of suspension.
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His points stem from various infractions across the 2024 season, including forcing Lando Norris off track in Mexico, causing collisions in Austria and Abu Dhabi, and failing to meet the virtual safety car delta in Brazil. His last penalty came in December, meaning he will carry the burden well into the latter half of 2025.
Alonso Also on the Brink
Fernando Alonso, a veteran of the sport, finds himself in a similar situation. His eight points come from a mix of aggressive racing incidents, with penalties for dangerous driving against George Russell, a collision with Carlos Sainz in China, and another clash with Zhou Guanyu in Austria.
Unlike Verstappen, Alonso will see some relief sooner, with three points expiring in March 2025 and another three in April. However, any new penalties before then could push him dangerously close to a ban.
The Rest of the Grid: Who Else Is at Risk?
While Verstappen and Alonso top the list, they aren’t the only ones accumulating penalties. Several other drivers have a notable number of points:
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- Nico Hülkenberg (4 points) – Collisions in Austria and Italy keep him on the radar.
- Lance Stroll (4 points) – Incidents in China and Qatar contribute to his tally.
- Esteban Ocon (3 points) – A mix of unsafe releases and collisions add to his record.
- Lando Norris (3 points) – His infractions include failing to slow for double yellow flags in Qatar.
No New Points in Australia, but the Danger Remains
The opening race of 2025 in Australia was a clean one for the entire field, with no additional penalty points issued. However, with the season still in its early stages, the risk remains high—especially for those already in the danger zone.
Verstappen and Alonso, in particular, will need to keep their races as incident-free as possible, as even minor infractions could see them flirting with a race ban. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming races, where the penalty system could once again shape the championship narrative.
