Russell: A racing ban is an opportunity for a young driver.

The issue is currently relevant as Haas’ Kevin Magnussen picked up 10 penalty points in just six races, resulting in a ban within 12 months. This issue becomes more important as the season now consists of a record 24 races, but the penalty limit remains unchanged despite the expanded calendar. In light of these events, George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, expressed his belief that there may be no need for immediate changes. He pointed out that in the last two decades only one driver had received a racing ban, while red cards were common in football matches. Russell points out that while a racing ban might be too severe, there should still be consequences for misconduct.

In 2012, French driver Romain Grosjean became the first driver since Michael Schumacher in 1994 to be banned after causing a serious collision in the first corner of the Belgian Grand Prix, which resulted in the retirement of a quarter of the grid. Other drivers have also missed races due to illness or injury, such as Carlos Sainz, who was replaced by British teenager Oliver Bearman at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia this season due to appendicitis. Bearman could serve as a backup option if Magnussen accumulates more penalty points that exceed the limit.

Magnussen started the season with no penalty points, but recently racked up a significant number in Miami for helping his teammate Nico Hulkenberg with a “stupid tactic.” The Haas driver admits he may have to change his approach as he expects the next penalty he receives will result in a racing ban. However, he also stresses the importance of playing a supportive role for his team and questions the severity of possible race suspensions for minor infractions. Finally, Magnussen accepts the current rules, but points out that given the increasing number of races, a race ban could be imposed for relatively minor actions.