Penalty points, who are the drivers most at risk?

A topic that always causes a lot of discussion in F1 is that of penalties. We are approaching the seventh event of the season Imola. However, despite still being in the initial phase of the season, there are already those who risk missing a Grand Prix. Let's see which drivers have received the most penalties and are at risk of disqualification. At the top of the list we obviously find Kevin Magnussen who has collected 10 penalty points out of a maximum of 12 since the start of the season. With so many races still to be played and the rate at which Magnussen collects penalties, it's hard to think that it won't happen. But Kevin doesn't lack company. Here is the updated ranking of driver penalties at the beginning of 2024.

Penalties are pouring in in F1

In Florida for the Miami Grand Prix several drivers received a penalty with points deducted from their super license. In addition to Magnussen, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon were added to this list on two different occasions. In Ocon's case it was a penalty for an unsafe release on Charles Leclerc as he exited the pits. Sainz was instead sanctioned for hitting Oscar Piastri in an attempt to take position on the Australian. A move that also cost him a 5 second penalty, which arrived at the end of the Grand Prix. However, the situation of the two pilots is calm. This is in fact the only penalty point they have accumulated.

As we said, however, Kevin Magnussen's situation is much more serious. His behavior throughout the weekend in Miami was rather incorrect. Suffice it to say that here alone Kevin received 5 penalty points. The other 5 were taken from him in Saudi Arabia (3 points) and China (2 points). After just 6 races Magnussen has almost reached 12 points and therefore risks missing a Grand Prix considering that the first points will be restored to him in March 2025.

Not just Magnussen, Here's who's at risk

In addition to Kevin there are other riders who are at risk, although they are not in a serious condition like that of the Dane. The first name that stands out is Sergio Perez. Max Verstappen's teammate in Red Bull has 8 points and will have to be careful not to take further penalties until September 2024. This season Perez has only taken 1 penalty point, in Saudi Arabia. Also at 8 we find Logan Sargeant, with the first 6 points which will be restored between September and October 2024.

Lance Stroll follows on 7 points. However, the person who is perhaps in the most critical situation at Aston Martin is Fernando Alonso who reached 6 points with only two Grands Prix this season: Australia and China. The Spaniard has strongly opposed these penalties, accusing the FIA ​​of targeting him on several occasions. We will therefore see if he will be able to keep the situation under control or if he too will come dangerously close, like Magnussen, to disqualification.

The updated list of penalties