F1 penalty points: 5 worst offenders

The F1 penalty points system was first introduced with the aim of keeping the driving standards above a threshold. As a part of the system, every driver is given penalty points based on transgressions on the race track. The number of penalty points depends on the severity of transgression and these misdemeanors could involve causing a collision, speeding in the pitlane, dangerous driving, etc.

These points stay next to the driver over the duration of 12 months, and if a driver accumulates 12 points, he faces a race ban. This was precisely what happened with Kevin Magnussen this season, as he was banned for one race.

In the 2024 season, we're done with 21 races and have only 3 left. Who are the worst offenders of the current grid? Let's take a look.

F1 Penalty Points: Who is close to a ban?

#5. Sergio Perez

Penalty Points: 3

Perez has three F1 penalty points.

Two points: Causing a collision with Lando Norris at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (expire November 26, 2024)
One point: Unsafe release in pit lane at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (expires March 9, 2025)

#4. Nico Hulkenberg

Penalty Points: 4

Hulkenberg has four F1 penalty points currently.

Two points: Causing a collision with Yuki Tsunoda at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix (expire on September 1, 2025)
Two points: Pushing Fernando Alonso off track at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix (expire on June 29, 2025)

#3. Lance Stroll

Penalty Points: 5

Stroll has collected five penalty points over the past 12 months, including a two-point penalty incurred for causing a collision with Daniel Ricciardo in China.

Two points: Causing a collision with Daniel Ricciardo at the Chinese GP (expire on April 21, 2025)
Three points: Overtaking under yellow flag conditions at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix (expire on November 18, 2024)

#2. Max Verstappen

Penalty Points: 7

Verstappen now has seven penalty points, with the latest additions coming in the Brazilian GP due to his incident with Lando Norris.

One point: VSC infringement in the 2024 F1 Brazilian GP Sprint (expires on November 2, 2025)
Two points: Forcing Lando Norris off track during the 2024 F1 Mexican GP (expire on October 28, 2025)
Two points: Causing a collision with Norris at the 2024 F1 Austrian GP (expire on June 30, 2025)
Two points: Forcing Charles Leclerc off track during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix (expire on November 19, 2024)

#1. Fernando Alonso

Penalty Points: 8

Alonso has accumulated eight F1 penalty points. Along with a 10-second penalty, he was handed two penalty points for a collision with Zhou Guanyu at the Austrian GP.

Two points: Causing a collision with Zhou Guanyu at the F1 Austrian GP (expire June 30, 2025)
Three points: Pushing Carlos Sainz off the track at the F1 Chinese GP Sprint (expire April 20, 2025)
Three points: Potentially dangerous driving against George Russell at the Australian GP (expire on March 24, 2025)