The penalty point system was introduced into F1 to regulate the number of incidents that could take place on track. A large collection of penalties threatens a racing ban; This is how the drivers keep themselves in check. However, McLaren boss Zak Brown argues that the system needs to be overhauled, using Lando Norris as an example.
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Brown preceded a case for his star driver, saying: “Lando Norris risked missing a race and I can’t recall an occasion where he drove dangerously. I couldn’t even imagine how he managed to collect so many penalty points on the super license.”
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 McLaren’s Lando Norris during the race REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
The events of the season finale put the spotlight on the FIA and the regulations of the sport. Brown believes this opportunity should be used to review other rules as well. “There are several issues that deserve scrutiny; the penalty points are included. We need a review of the penalty system, drivers should only be penalized when they drive really dangerously, not for other situations where safety is not at risk.”
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Norris has a good impression of being a fair driver on track. However, Norris has received penalty points for what he describes as purely racing incidents.
How did Lando Norris collect so many penalty points?
In the second half of the 2021 season, Lando Norris accumulated five penalty points. These will remain on his super license until after the Azerbaijan GP in June. Uncomfortably close to being banned from racing, the Norris incidents sparked debate about the system.
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Brown remembers Norris’ stay in Austria. “I am thinking, for example, of Lando Norris being penalized two points just for being faster on a section of a drying track under the yellow flag regime. Instead of canceling the measured time for this lap.”
Even Norris was frustrated by the decision. “If you really overtake [under] do a yellow flag and something else that’s clearly a rule that puts people at risk then I understand penalty points for a driver and if that adds up you get a driving ban or racing ban but for such trifles it’s silly my opinion . This is not how Formula 1 should be.”
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With many drivers and F1 team principals questioning the penalty points system, could the FIA put it on their list of reforms ahead of the 2022 season?
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