F1 Penalty Points 2025: Three Stars Now on the Brink of a Race Ban After Dutch GP Turmoil… Read more
F1 Penalty Points 2025: Three Stars Now on the Brink of a Race Ban After Dutch GP Turmoil
The aftermath of the Dutch Grand Prix has left the Formula 1 paddock buzzing, not only because of the on-track drama, but also because of the updated penalty-points standings that now leave several top drivers dangerously close to an automatic race ban.
The FIA’s system dictates that any driver who collects 12 penalty points within a rolling 12-month period will be suspended for one race. Max Verstappen currently heads that list with nine points, meaning he is just three away from sitting out a Grand Prix. Though the reigning world champion escaped Zandvoort without additional penalties, his existing tally continues to place him under heavy scrutiny.
Lewis Hamilton was among the biggest movers after the Dutch GP. The Mercedes star was punished for failing to slow sufficiently under double-waved yellow flags, resulting in two penalty points added to his licence and a five-place grid drop for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. The decision was particularly costly for Hamilton, who is already struggling to find consistent form in 2025.
Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli also found himself in trouble. In his first full season at the top level, Antonelli collided with Charles Leclerc in an over-optimistic overtaking attempt. The stewards deemed him responsible and issued two penalty points, which takes his tally to four. That places him in the mid-table danger zone, a precarious position for a driver still learning the ropes of Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz was another high-profile driver to add to his record. A clash with Liam Lawson at Zandvoort resulted in a ten-second time penalty and two penalty points, lifting his total to four as well. The incident drew criticism from rivals and fans alike, with some feeling the move was unnecessarily aggressive given the track conditions.
Not everyone left the Netherlands in worse shape. Nico Hülkenberg’s previous points have now expired, meaning he drops back to a clean slate. He joins Fernando Alonso, Isack Hadjar, and Esteban Ocon as drivers without any active penalty points on their record. For Hülkenberg, it is a welcome relief in what has already been a challenging season.
With Verstappen leading the way on nine points, the championship fight could yet be shaped by disciplinary matters as much as performance. Should he incur another serious penalty before some of his earlier infractions expire, the reigning champion could be forced to watch from the sidelines—a development that would dramatically alter the title race.
Updated Penalty-Points Standings (Post-Dutch GP)
- Max Verstappen – 9 points (3 away from race ban)
- Oliver Bearman – 8 points
- Liam Lawson – 6 points
- Oscar Piastri – 6 points
- Lance Stroll – 5 points
- Yuki Tsunoda – 5 points
- Carlos Sainz – 4 points
- Kimi Antonelli – 4 points
- Lando Norris – 3 points
- Franco Colapinto – 3 points
- Nico Hülkenberg – 0 points (all points expired)
What It Means
The FIA’s penalty system has often been criticised for its harshness, but it ensures that repeated offences carry meaningful consequences. Verstappen, Bearman, and Lawson now face the most pressure heading into the late-season races. With margins at the top of the championship already razor thin, even a single incident could decide whether a driver continues to fight for glory—or is forced to watch from the garage.
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