The possibility a Formula 1 driver could reach 12 penalty points and collect an automatic race ban has prompted calls for the rules to be changed. Inevitably, the loudest calls came from those who stand to lose the most.
Foremost among those is Pierre Gasly, who reached 10 penalty points at the Mexican Grand Prix, leaving him just two shy of a ban.
“I really hope we can have a review of the whole system over winter, because I do believe I’m not going to be the only one in trouble if we keep it that way,” he said. “It will be a shame to see four or five racing drivers banned for a race and having a championship with some guys missing out on a race.”
Gasly’s situation is serious because he racked up his 10 penalty points so quickly. Only two drivers before him have come this close to getting an automatic ban: Sebastian Vettel and Daniil Kvyat. Lewis Hamilton temporarily reached 10 points in 2020, though his last two were rescinded within hours of being issued after the stewards reconsidered their decision.
Penalty points expire 12 months after they are given to driver. Vettel and Kvyat did not have to wait long before they were able to deduct penalty points from their licences.
But Gasly will not lose any until May 22nd next year. He will therefore start his first six races as an Alpine driver next year knowing he is at serious risk of a ban (it was seven races until the Chinese Grand Prix was dropped from the 2023 F1 calendar).
No doubt Gasly is anxious to avoid becoming the first F1 driver ever to reach 12 penalty points and collect an automatic ban. He’s already had several scares since reaching 10 after the Mexican Grand Prix. He avoided collecting more points on two occasions in Brazil and Sergio Perez suspects he only dodged a penalty for delaying him in Abu Dhabi because it was the last race of the season.
However Gasly isn’t the only driver saying it would be wrong for him to collect an automatic ban if he collects two more penalty points over the opening six race weekends of 2023. Grand Prix Drivers Association director George Russell came down on his side in Brazil and said he expects the FIA to reconsider the system.
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“Conversations have been had and I think the FIA will definitely review the points system this year,” said the Mercedes racer, who believes Gasly’s points have largely been accrued for incidents…
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