The penalty points on the Super License, introduced in 2014, turn every race into a real minefield for drivers. The idea is simple: accumulate 12 points in 12 months, and it’s an immediate suspension for the following weekend. In this game, Oliver Bearman, the young British driver, has made headlines for his repeated infractions, putting him in the hot seat as the next season approaches rapidly.
A high-pressure system
The principle of the points license, inspired by the British model, is both formidable and fascinating. In the blink of an eye, a driver can see their career turn upside down due to a poor decision on the track. To date, only two drivers have been suspended since the introduction of this system, including Kevin Magnussen, who received a suspension for the Azerbaijan GP last year. But it seems that Oliver Bearman is well on his way to joining this exclusive list.
Bearman, the bad student
Oliver Bearman received the heaviest penalty at Silverstone.
When discussing penalty points this season, the name of Oliver Bearman inevitably comes up. The young driver from Haas has managed the feat of accumulating 10 points in less than seven months. A true achievement that makes him vulnerable to an imminent suspension at the first infraction of the next season. For him, he will have to wait until May 23, 2026, to see his first points disappear, after having gone through six full Grands Prix. One could say he doesn’t really have the right passport for F1…
The cherry on top? He received four points after his collision during free practice at Silverstone, marking the biggest sanction imposed this season. This is not his first infraction, as he had already been warned for another infraction under red flag in Monaco. One wonders if the FIA has finally decided to make an example of him, and that could very well be the case.
On the opposite end, Yuki Tsunoda, who will not be in F1 next year, brings up the rear with his 8 points. Drivers like Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson follow with 6 points each. At this rate, one could almost imagine a parallel competition on who will commit the most infractions!
Sanctions under close surveillance
Behind each sanction, the FIA has now established clearer guidelines. This allows the stewards to better assess situations on the track and avoid overly subjective decisions. For example, the penalty imposed on Max Verstappen for his collision with George Russell in Barcelona was deemed insufficient by some experts. With 3 points for this incident, some believe he should have received 4, which would have resulted in a suspension for the Canadian GP. This shows that a stricter application of the guidelines could change the game!
It is also interesting to note that out of the 21 drivers who participated in at least one Grand Prix this season, five of them received no penalty points. These fortunate few include names like Lando Norris, George Russell, and Fernando Alonso. A small performance that deserves applause in a world where mistakes can quickly become costly.
The stakes for next season
As we head towards a new season of Formula 1, drivers will need to navigate between performance and caution. Oliver Bearman, with his 10 penalty points, will have to double his efforts to avoid a suspension that could halt his budding career. The pressure will be high, and every turn will count double for him.
The FIA continues to refine its rules and guidelines, but one thing is certain: in this sport, every point counts, and drivers must keep in mind that the slightest mistake could have disastrous consequences. The spectacle is guaranteed, but we will also need to keep an eye on the drivers who flirt with the limits of the regulations.
Conclusion
In summary, the penalty points system has become a key player in modern Formula 1. With figures like Oliver Bearman in the spotlight, it is clear that the upcoming season promises to be full of twists and turns. Drivers will have to juggle boldness and caution, as the slightest misstep could lead them to the exit. Stay tuned to follow these thrilling stories throughout the season!
