6 hours ago 3

The FIA's F1 guidelines for penalties and points in full

The FIA published its Formula 1 penalty system guidelines, which break down the levels of penalties and points applied for each offence.

The document published is strictly a guideline, much like the F1 racing guideline released simultaneously on the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix, but provides insight into the guidance the FIA stewards get over what penalties are handed out and what each punishment includes.

The FIA’s F1 penalties and points system guidelines:

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
	Sanctions
Receiving five reprimands, four of which were imposed for a driving infringement	18.2	Ten grid places		Ten grid places		Ten grid places *(mandatory)*
	Personnel Curfew and Covers On Breaches
Breach of Personnel Curfew	23.6 & 23.5					Pit lane start for both Competitor cars *(mandatory)*
Breach of “Covers On” Time	23.6 & 38.2a) i)					Pit lane start for both Competitor cars *(mandatory)*
	Receiving Mechanical Assistance
Re-joining by use of mechanical assistance	26.4					Disqualification
	Use of Tyres
Use of tyres without appropriate identification	30.3(e)	Grid place penalty		Grid place penalty		Disqualification
Failing to change incorrect tyres within three (3) laps	30.5(b)					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Failing to use two different specifications of dry-weather tyres (or during the race in Monaco, failing to use three sets of any specification & two different specifications of dry-weather tyres)	30.5(m)					Disqualification *(mandatory)*
Failing to use two different specifications of dry-weather tyres (race suspended and not re-started) (or during the race in Monaco, failing to use two different specifications of dry-weather tyres and/or failing to use at least three sets of any specification of tyres)	30.5(m)					30 seconds *(mandatory)*
During the race in Monaco, using only one set of tyres of any specification (additional to the above)	30.5(m)					30 seconds *(mandatory)*
Failing to use wet-weather tyres, when required to do so, if the race is started behind SC	30.5 (n)					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Leaving the Track
Leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage Clarification: a sporting advantage towards another competitor was gained, either in time or position or maintenance of a position	33.3 & App. L, Ch. IV, 2 (c)	Potential loss of the lap time and/or up to Reprimand		Loss of the lap time and/or up to Three grid places		10s Penalty (Baseline) up to Drive Through 5s in case of mitigating circumstances
Leaving the track and re-joining unsafely	33.3 & App. L, Ch. IV, 2 (c)	Potential loss of the lap time and/or up to Reprimand		Loss of the lap time and/or up to Three grid places	1	5s Penalty up to Drive- Through	2
Leaving the track without a justifiable reason – Track limits Clarification: a driver cannot set a time outside the white lines	33.3 or App. L, Ch. IV, 2(c)	Potential loss of the lap time and/or up to Reprimand		Lap Deleted		Lap Deleted / Strike 3^rd offence – B/W 4^th and each additional – 5s
Driving Infringements
Driving unnecessarily slowly – gain of a sporting advantage Clarification: a performance related matter will be deemed unnecessary.	33.4 or App. L, Ch. IV, 2(e)	Warning / Reprimand		Reprimand or Grid Place Penalty (re Min Delta)		5s/10s Penalty
Driving unnecessarily slowly in a dangerous manner Clarification: causing evasive action or sudden change of direction	33.4 or App. L, Ch. IV, 2(e)	Grid Place penalty	3*	Grid Place penalty	3*	10s Penalty (Baseline), Drive-Through or 10s stop and go (or a grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race) 5s Penalty in mitigating circumstances	3*
Driving erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person. The following (non-exhaustive) list are possible examples of the above:	33.4 or App. L, Ch. IV, 2(e)	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty	3*	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty	3*	10s Penalty (Baseline), Drive- Through or 10s stop and go (or a grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race) 5s Penalty in mitigating circumstances	3*

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Driving with / failing to stop for a car with significant & obvious damage	26.10	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty	3*	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty	3*	10s Penalty (Baseline), Drive- Through or 10s stop and go (or a grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race)	3*
Causing a collision - Causing a collision with no immediate and obvious sporting consequence - Causing a collision with apparent deliberate or reckless intent	App. L, Ch. IV, 2(d)	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty As above Drop of 10 or more grid positions	3* 3*	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty	3* 3*	10s Penalty (Baseline), Drive-Through or 10s stop and go (or a grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race) 5s Penalty in mitigating circumstances Reprimand/5s/10s Penalty (or grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race) 10 Stop and go, or any time penalty exceeding 30 seconds (or grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race)	3* 3* 4
				As above
				As above
				Drop of 10 or more grid positions
			4		4

Forcing a driver off the track	App. L Ch. IV, 2(b)	Reprimand or Grid Place penalty Drop of 10 or more grid positions	2 3	Reprimand or Grid Place Penalty Drop of 10 or more grid positions	2 3	10s Penalty (Baseline), Drive-Through or 10s stop and go (or a grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race) 5s Penalty in mitigating circumstances 10 Stop and go, or any time penalty exceeding 30 seconds (or grid place penalty if the driver failed to finish the race)	2
- Forcing a driver off the track recklessly							3

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Impeding another driver - Impeding another driver dangerously or with apparent intent	37.5 or App. L, Ch. IV, 2	Warning Five grid places	3	Three grid places	3
				Five grid places

More than one change of direction to defend a position	App. L Ch. IV, 2(b)					5s Penalty up to Drive- Through	3*
Moving in the braking zone - Moving in the braking zone “in a manner deemed potentially dangerous”	App. L Ch. IV, 2(e)	Warning		Warning		B/W Flag (possible for first offence, penalties thereafter)	3*
		Warning		Warning		5s or-up to Drive-Through

Crossing a line or missing a bollard at pit entry	App. L Ch. IV, 4(d) ISC 12.2.1 (i)	RD Warning		Reprimand		5s or 10s Penalty	1*
- Crossing a line or missing a bollard at pit entry dangerously		Three grid places	2	Three grid places	2	Drive-Through or 10s stop and go	3
Crossing a line at pit exit	App. L Ch. IV, 6(c)	RD Warning		Reprimand		5s or 10s Penalty	1*
- Crossing a line at pit exit dangerously		Three grid places	2	Three grid places	2	Drive-Through or 10s stop and go	3
Exceeding the maximum time between SC lines without a justifiable reason	Event Notes & ISC 12.2.1 (i)			Reprimand		Reprimand
Flag Signals App. L, Ch. IV, 1 -- “The instructions detailed in Appendix H to the International Sporting Code are deemed to be part of this code of driving conduct. All drivers must abide by them.”
Failing to slow for single yellow flags or lights on the track or overtaking another car	26.1 (a) & App. H 2.5.5 b)	Five grid places	2	Five grid places	2	10s Penalty or Drive-Through	3*
Failing to slow for double yellow flags or lights on the track or overtaking another car	26.1 (b) or (c) & App. H 2.5.5 (b)	Ten grid places	3*	Ten grid places	3*	10s stop and go	3*
Failing to slow for red flags or lights on the track	App. H 2.5.4.1(b) or Art 37.6.a	Ten grid places	4*	Ten grid places	4*	10s stop and go or Black Flag	4*

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Failing to respect blue flags or lights on the track	App. H, 2.5.5(e) & App. L, Ch. IV, 2(a)			Refer to Impeding - Art 37.5		5s or 10s Penalty Drive-Through	1 2
Failing to respect a black flag on the track	App. H, 2.5.4.1 (d)	Rear of Grid	5	Disqualification	5	Disqualification	5
Failing to respect a black and orange flag on the track	App. H 2.5.4.1 (e)	Rear of Grid	5	Disqualification	5	Disqualification	5
	Pit Lane Speed limits
Speeding in the pit lane during reconnaissance laps or after the chequered flag	34.7					Team Fine
Speeding in the pit lane during practice	34.7(a)	Team fine		Team fine
Speeding in the pit lane in order to gain an advantage	34.7(b)
Speeding in the pit lane during a race by less than 6km/h	34.7(c)					5s Penalty
Speeding in the pit lane during a race by between 6-15km/h						Drive-Through
Speeding in the pit lane during a race by more than 15km/h						10s stop and go
	Pit Entry, Pit Lane and Pit Exit
Entering the pit lane when the pit entry is closed	34.15(b)					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Failing to stop at a red light at the pit exit during practice	37.2	Reprimand or up to Three grid places	0-2	Reprimand or up to Three grid places	0-2
Failing to stop at a red light at the pit exit during a race	53.1					10s stop and go	3*
	Start Procedure
Burnouts or bite point checks during reconnaissance laps in Pit Lane	44.1					5s Penalty
All wheels not fitted at the 5-minute signal	43.5 or 44.4					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Team personnel on the grid after the 15 second signal	43.7 or 44.6					Start from the pit lane *(mandatory)*
For a car on the grid:						Start from the pit lane *(mandatory)*
For a car in the pit lane:						Drive-Through Penalty *(Mandatory)*
Failing to start the race from the pit lane if team personnel were on the grid after the 15 second signal	43.7(a) or 44.6 (a)					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Failing to enter the pit lane if out of position at the SC1 line at end of formation lap	43.10 or 44.9					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Failing to start the race from the pit lane if a driver caused the start to be aborted	45.2 or 47.2					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Jump start / Incorrect Starting Location	48.1					5s or 10s Penalty Drive-Through Penalty *(Mandatory depending on excess)*
Safety Car and VSC Procedures and Formation laps behind SC
Entering the pit lane during the formation laps	49.4					Start the race from the pit lane *(mandatory)*
Changing tyres before the race start if the formation lap(s) have been carried out behind the SC	30.5n					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Failure to re-establish position before SC1 (“Standing Start”)	49.6(a)					Start from Pit Lane
Failing to enter the pit lane if out of position at the SC1 line on the formation lap	49.6(a)					10s stop and go *(mandatory)*
Driving unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person whilst the safety car is deployed	55.5 & App. L, Ch. IV, 2 (e)					5s or 10s Penalty or Drive-Through or 10sec stop and go	2 3

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Failing to keep within ten cars lengths of the car in front during SC	55.7					5s or 10s Penalty or Drive-Through	2* 3*
Exceeding minimum time set by ECU behind safety car	55.7					2 or 3 red sectors: 5s penalty* 4 red sectors: 10s penalty* 5 red sectors: drive-through* 6 red sectors: 10s stop-andgo*	1 2 3 3
Overtaking the SC and place given back	55.8					No Further Action
Overtaking the SC (See list of exceptions in Sporting Regulations)	55.8					10s stop and go	3
Overtaking another car behind the SC and place given back	55.8					No Further Action
Overtaking another car behind the SC (See list of exceptions in Sporting Regulations) - 1 Car - 2 Car - More than 2 Cars (May take into account mitigating circumstances)	55.8					10s Penalty Drive-Through 10s Stop-and-go	2 2 3
Failing to keep within ten cars lengths of the SC	55.10					5s or 10s Penalty or Drive-Through	2 3
Failing to enter the pit lane behind the SC	55.11					Drive-Through *(mandatory)*	3
Overtaking in Pit Entry / Pit Exit when SC using the pit lane (May take into account mitigating circumstances)	55.11					10s Penalty, Drive-Through , or 10s Stop-and-go	3*
Entering the pits during SC unless for the purpose of changing tyres	55.12					Drive-Through	3

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Exceeding the VSC speed limit	56.5	2 or 3 red sectors: 3 place grid drop* 4 red sectors: 3 place grid drop* 5 red sectors: 5 place grid drop* 6 red sectors: 5 place grid drop*	1 2 3 3	2 or 3 red sectors: 3 place grid drop* 4 red sectors: 3 place grid drop* 5 red sectors: 5 place grid drop* 6 red sectors: 5 place grid drop*	1 2 3 3	2 or 3 red sectors: 5s penalty* 4 red sectors: 10s penalty* 5 red sectors: drive-through* 6 red sectors: 10s stop-andgo*	1 2 3 3
Exceeding VSC minimum delta time at VSC end	56.5					Any red value: 5s penalty	1
						Red value >3 sec: 10s penalty	2
						Red value >5 sec: drivethrough	3
Overtaking another car when the VSC is in operation and place given back	56.6					No Further Action
Overtaking another car when the VSC is in operation (See list of Exceptions in Sporting Regulations)	56.6
- 1 Car - 2 Car - More than 2 Cars (May take into account mitigating circumstances)						10s Penalty Drive-Through 10s Stop-and-go	2 2 3
Stopping and Resuming a Race
Car being moved from the fast lane before a race is resumed.	57.5					Must enter pits at restart and join back after last car. *(mandatory)*
All wheels not fitted at the 5-minute signal	58.3					10s Stop & Go *(mandatory)*
Team personnel touching car or equipment connected at 15 second signal	58.5					Start from Pit Lane *(mandatory)*

Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Failing to start from pit lane after team personnel touching car or equipment connected at 15 second signal.	58.5					10s Stop & Go *(mandatory)*
Failing to enter the pit lane if out of position at the SC1 line on the lap the SC enters the pits (Standing Re-Start)	58.7(a)					10s Stop & Go *(mandatory)*
Overtaking behind the SC during a race re-start	58.9					Either Drive-Through or 10s Stop & Go *(mandatory)*	2
Pit Stops
Unsafe release from a pit stop	34.14(a)	Team fine		Team fine		5s or 10s Penalty or Drive- Through
Unsafe release from a pit stop where the driver is at fault	34.14(a)	Reprimand		Reprimand		5s or 10s Penalty or Drive-Through	1 2
Releasing a car in an unsafe condition during a practice session	34.14(c)	Team fine		Team fine or up to Three grid places
Releasing a car in an unsafe condition during a race	34.14(d)					10s Stop & Go *(mandatory)* or Team Fine (if car retires)
Driving a car knowing it to be in an unsafe condition following Releasing a car in an unsafe condition	34.14(e)	Five grid places	3	Five grid places	3	Ten grid places for the next race	3
Penalty Improperly Served
Failure to comply with in-race penalty procedure	54.4 (e)					Increment of penalties listed under Art. 54.3a to 54.3d, or Discretion of the Stewards if breach is relating to a penalty under Art. 54.3d.
Offence	SR Article	Free Practice	PP	Qualifying	PP	Race	PP
Technical
Change of PU Elements in excess of allowance: 1^st time: Next Times:	28.2 / 28.3	10 Grid Place (mandatory) 5 Grid Place (mandatory)		10 Grid Place (mandatory) 5 Grid Place (mandatory)
Failing to stop for weighing, car brought back untouched	35.1(b)	Reprimand		Reprimand
Failing to stop for weighing, car not brought back or worked on	35.1(b)	Team fine or Grid places		Disqualification from qualifying results
Breach of the weighing provisions	35.5	Grid places		Disqualification from qualifying results		Disqualification from race results
Breach of Pre-Sprint Parc Fermé Breach of Pre-Race Parc Fermé	40.9 40.9			Pit lane start (mandatory)
Technical Infringement	n/a	Team fine or Grid places		Disqualification from qualifying results		Disqualification from race results
Drivers Equipment
Breach of ISC Appendix L requirements for safety equipment or apparel 1^st offence	App. L, Ch. III ISC	Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months		Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months		Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months
Breach of ISC Appendix L requirements for safety equipment or apparel 2nd offence	App. L, Ch. III ISC	Fine up to €50,000 for driver (plus implementation of previously suspended amount).		Fine up to €50,000 for driver (plus implementation of previously suspended amount).		Fine up to €50,000 for driver (plus implementation of previously suspended amount).
Breach of ISC Appendix L requirements for safety equipment or apparel 3rd offence	App. L, Ch. III ISC	Fine up to €60,000 for driver.		Fine up to €60,000 for driver.		Fine up to €60,000 for driver.
Intentional and deliberate false declaration by Competitor on Self Scrutineering Form	31.1/31.3	Fine of up to €100,000 for competitor

Offence	ISC Article	Penalty Guideline Range¹
International Sporting Code Breaches NB: Stewards retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances so as to adapt the relevant penalty to the situation.
Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA.	ISC 12.2.1.f	Offence occurring in a controlled environment², fine up to €5,000, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances³. For very serious offences, more severe penalties under the ISC may be imposed.
Any Misconduct. To be understood in particular, but not limited to, the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate, assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.), incitement to do any of the former.	ISC 12.2.1.l	Offence occurring in a controlled environment², fine up to €5,000, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances³. For very serious offences, more severe penalties under the ISC may be imposed.
Any Misconduct involving the abuse of officials. See Table Below⁴.	ISC 12.2.1.l	Sporting Penalty, See Table Below⁴
Any public incitement to violence or hatred.	ISC 12.2.1.n	Fine up to €20,000. For very serious offenses, more severe penalties under the ISC may be imposed.
The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.	ISC 12.2.1.o	Fine up to €20,000. A public apology and repudiation of comments may be also required. For very serious offenses, more severe penalties under the ISC may be imposed.
Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any Competition counting towards a FIA Championship.	ISC 12.2.1.p	Fine up to €5,000, depending on mitigating or aggravating circumstances³ and may be suspended in whole or part for the first offence within a two-year period. Alternative penalties may apply⁵

Note 1 Penalties for a first offence in a two-year period, except in cases of misconduct towards officials (Article 12.2.1.l) or breach of ISC Article 12.2.1.n, may be reduced due to mitigations, which may include imposing a fully suspended penalty or, in exceptional circumstances, issuing a formal warning.

Note 2 Controlled Environments include, but are not limited to, media interviews, press conferences, and podium ceremonies. Non-Controlled Environments include, but are not limited to, radio transmissions between car and team, recordings made while on circuit. Alleged breaches of ISC Articles 12.2.1.f or 12.2.1.l that occur in “non-controlled” environments may be treated as private conversations, except where multiple breaches occur within a short period of time, involve racial or discriminatory language, or include abuse of officials.

Note 3 The fine of €5,000 may be reduced or increased based on the mitigating or aggravating circumstances described in Appendix B of the ISC, specifically Notes 4 and 5. Copied below for reference:
4. Mitigating circumstances can include, but are not limited to:
a. The status of the driver (e.g., unpaid amateur, rookie professional, or high-profile, long-standing professional driver);
b. The status or profile of the championship in which the offence occurred;
c. Personal circumstances relating to the alleged offender such as:
i. reaction to offensive, aggressive or abusive behaviour by another,
ii. in the case of ISC Art 12.2.1.p, a pre-advised medical condition verified by medical practitioner.
d. The alleged offender’s previous record of good behaviour.
The fine of €5,000 may be increased based multiples of 2 or 3 when the seriousness of the offence warrants a higher penalty.
5. Aggravating circumstance can include, but are not limited to:
a. Premeditated actions as determined by the Stewards.
b. Multiple offenses, especially if occurring within a short period of time.

Note 4 Table of Sporting Penalties:

Offence

Article

During a Competition

(except during a Sprint Session or Race)

During a Sprint Session or Race

** Any Misconduct involving the abuse of officials by a DRIVER.

ISC 12.2.1.l

Min. 3 Grid Place Penalty in the next race (escalating if needed)

Min. 5s Penalty (escalating if needed).

** Any Misconduct involving the abuse of officials by a TEAM MEMBER.

ISC 12.2.1.l

Min. 3 Grid Place Penalty for

BOTH cars in the next race

(escalating if needed)

Min 5s Penalty for the associated driver (escalating if needed).

Note 5 Alternative penalties (instead of fines) may also be apply, such as requiring the driver to dedicate time to FIA promotional, awareness or educational activities at an event.

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