Formula 1: According to the rules set by Formula One, if a driver accumulates 12 points in a race year (the 12-month period), their racing license for the sport will be suspended for the subsequent race, after which the record will be reset. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Formula 1 Rules: FIA change penalty points system, no sanctions for track limits breaches – Check out
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This issue of point totting up got a lot of flak when Pierce Gasly was threatened with the possibility of sitting out of a Grand Prix race for a minor rule break. To put things into the picture, Gasly totted up 10 points, thus being shy of two points, before he was ought to be banned from the Mexican Grand Prix.
Formula 1 Rules: FIA change penalty points system, no sanctions for track limits breaches – Check out
As one can imagine, this turn of events visibly upset Gasly, who wanted FIA to reconsider their decision or amend their rulebook, if any. Also, he was quite embarrassed to be in a position that could lead to a ban from the race. He also was of the opinion that he had been a decent driver and did not do anything ‘particularly dangerous’ that should get him a penalty.
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Gasly’s plea was heard, as FIA’s governing body review the matter at hand to conclude that some changes were required. Starting with the 2023 season, stewards would be lenient in their rulings while dealing with penalties and bans.
More specifically, breaking rules like track limit breaches would not fetch any points. However, the board would be quite strict if the chances taken by the drivers are unsafe. This would be done with the initial intention to prevent life-threatening driving.
At the Bahrain GP, the changes were seen – the stewards ruled sporting sanctions without offering any penalty points. Due to this, Esteban Ocon of the Alpine F1 Team and Nico Hulkenberg of the Haas F1 Team did attract penalties but their licenses did not suffer any penalty points. Although changes in the rules have been made, Gasly still has 10 points, where the first points will expire on May 22.
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With the new rules set in and drivers being treated with leniency, season 2023 has started. FIA will continue to penalize drivers for dangerous driving, as it should be. The incidental slips would be excused. The 2023 season would thus be fair to all!
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