F1 drivers push for penalty points change: 'It's embarrassing'

F1

F1 drivers have said they're discussing changes to the current penalty points system with the FIA in light of Pierre Gasly's potential ban

Pierre Gasly sits on the AlphaTauri F1 pitwall

Drivers have spoken out on Gasly's penalty point situation

Red Bull

Author

James Elson

Several F1 stars have said they are pushing for a change in the current penalty points system, with Pierre Gasly saying the current situation has now become “embarrassing.”

The stewards’ decision making process has come into sharp focus with the Frenchman now teetering on the edge of a race ban, and drivers indicated prior to the Brazilian GP that they’re attempting to initiate a rethink on the way officials hand out punishments.

After being handed an extra two points for forcing Lance Stroll off in Mexico, Gasly now has 10 out of the 12 required for a ban with two races left this season, and the outgoing AlphaTauri driver believes the thinking on the current system needs to change – with points lasting for a season, he could still end up being banned at his new team Alpine next year.

“I’m not gonna lie, it’s a very unpleasant situation, and quite delicate,” he said. “In some ways also a bit embarrassing to be standing in a position where I could be banned for a race after a season that I don’t really feel like I’ve been particularly dangerous – over these last 12 months that will be definitely a harsh penalty.”

Lance Stroll and Pierre GAsly wheel to wheel in the 2022 Mexican Grand Prix

Gasly-Stroll battle ended with a brief run off the track – and a penalty for the former

Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

Other drivers in the press conference added their support for Gasly, saying they believed the current punishments doesn’t fit the respective crimes.

“I completely agree with Pierre,” said Alex Albon, who is currently on seven points, in siding with the Frenchman. “I’m quite high up there as well.

“Just to give some context to it: I think I have three points on my licence and they’re down to track limits, which is something not dangerous at all. I’m not harming any other driver or myself in that situation.

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“I’ve got another two points for collision with [Lance] Stroll at Jedha which at the end of the race we as drivers deemed wasn’t my fault. So there are a lot of points on my licence which I don’t think I deserved.”

However the Gasly revealed he may have found a way round the situation, suggesting some kind of appeal may be made on some of his infringements.

“There have been a lot of discussion with the FIA trying to find a solution because I want to do all the races,” he said.

“I want to finish the season in the best way I can with AlphaTauri. I want to do all the races in 2023 and get the maximum chances to perform for Alpine.

“Obviously there’s a lot at stake because no one knows what’s going to happen in 2023. I could end up with an amazing car, fighting for the championship, for example, and can’t take the risk to be banned for race and lose all my hopes for the championship. So it’s a very tricky situation.

Stroll 2022 SA GP

Stroll and Albon’s late Saudi clash saw the latter penalised

Peter J Fox/Getty Images

“The way the regulation is written at the moment, it’s quite strict on the drivers and quite harsh penalties even though it’s not always related to dangerous driving, and definitely a massive repercussion on the teams’ and drivers’ championship.

“I do hope we can find solution out of the weekend to avoid to end up in a silly situation.”

Albon and Valtteri Bottas also both put their weight behind Gasly on the subject of talk of a penalty rethink.

“I think there is gonna be a change,” said Albon. “Firstly, we’ve already got the points on our licence. So what happens then? Because even if we do make steps forwards into next year, do those points from [the] previous [season] stay on? We do need to do something about it. I don’t think any of us are dangerous drivers. But I do understand, of course, you should punish drivers if they do dangerous things.”

“I think there’s been already good discussions,” added Bottas. “From my understanding, there will be some changes made for the future. I don’t think Pierre deserves to be in that kind of situation – on the edge.”

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