FIA driver guideline graphic
Photo by: FIA
The FIA has published its Formula 1 penalty system guidelines which breaks 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.
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
0
Ten grid places
0
Ten grid places (mandatory)
0
Personnel Curfew and Covers On Breaches
Breach of Personnel Curfew
23.6 & 23.5
Pit lane start for both
Competitor cars (mandatory)
0
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
0
Use of Tyres
Use of tyres without appropriate identification
30.3(e)
Grid place penalty
0
Grid place penalty
0
Disqualification
0
Failing to change incorrect tyres within three (3) laps
30.5(b)
10s stop and go (mandatory)
0
Failing to use two different specifications of dry-weather tyres
(or during the race in Monaco, failing to use three sets oy any specification & two different specifications of dry-weather tyres)
30.5(m)
Disqualification (mandatory)
0
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)
0
During the race in Monaco, using only one set of tyres of any specification (additional to the above)
30.5(m)
30 seconds (mandatory)
0
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)
0
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
0
Loss of the lap time and/or up to Three grid places
0
10s Penalty (Baseline) up to Drive Through
5s in case of mitigating circumstances
0
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
0
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
0
Lap Deleted
0
Lap Deleted / Strike
3rd offence – B/W
4th and each additional – 5s
0
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
0
Reprimand or Grid Place Penalty (re Min Delta)
0
5s/10s Penalty
0
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
0
3*
Reprimand or
Grid Place penalty
0
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 of a car with significant & obvious damage
26.10
Reprimand or
Grid Place penalty
0
3*
Reprimand or
Grid Place penalty
0
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
0
3*
0
3*
Reprimand or
Grid Place penalty
0
3*
0
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*
0
3*
4
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
0
2
3
Reprimand or
Grid Place Penalty
Drop of 10 or more grid positions
0
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
0
3
Three grid places
0
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
0
Warning
0
0
B/W Flag (possible for first offence, penalties thereafter)
0
3*
Warning
0
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
0
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
0
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
0
Reprimand
0
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
0
Speeding in the pit lane during practice
34.7(a)
Team fine
0
Team fine
0
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
0
Speeding in the pit lane during a race by between 6-15km/h
Drive-Through
0
Speeding in the pit lane during a race by more than 15km/h
10s stop and go
0
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)
0
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
0
All wheels not fitted at the 5-minute signal
43.5 or 44.4
10s stop and go (mandatory)
0
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:
0
For a car in the pit lane:
Drive-Through Penalty
(Mandatory)
0
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)
0
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)
0
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)
0
Jump start / Incorrect Starting Location
48.1
5s or 10s Penalty
Drive-Through Penalty
(Mandatory depending on excess)
0
0
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)
0
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)
0
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)
0
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)
0
All wheels not fitted at the 5-minute signal
58.3
10s Stop & Go (mandatory)
0
Team personnel touching car or equipment connected at 15 second signal
58.5
Start from Pit Lane (mandatory)
0
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)
0
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)
0
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
0
Team fine
0
5s or 10s Penalty or Drive-
Through
0
Unsafe release from a pit stop where the driver is at fault
34.14(a)
Reprimand
0
Reprimand
0
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
0
Team fine or up to Three grid places
0
Releasing a car in an unsafe condition during a race
34.14(d)
10s Stop & Go (mandatory) or
Team Fine (if car retires)
0
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.
0
Offence
SR Article
Free Practice
PP
Qualifying
PP
Race
PP
Technical
Change of PU Elements in excess of allowance:
1st 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
0
Reprimand
0
Failing to stop for weighing, car not brought back or worked on
35.1(b)
Team fine or Grid places
0
Disqualification from qualifying results
0
Breach of the weighing provisions
35.5
Grid places
0
Disqualification from qualifying results
0
Disqualification from race results
0
Breach of Pre-Sprint Parc Fermé
Breach of Pre-Race Parc Fermé
40.9
40.9
Pit lane start (mandatory)
0
Technical Infringement
n/a
Team fine or Grid places
0
Disqualification from qualifying results
0
Disqualification from race results
0
Drivers Equipment
Breach of ISC Appendix L requirements for safety equipment or apparel 1st offence
App. L, Ch. III
ISC
Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months
0
Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months
0
Fine up to €40,000 for driver, part may be suspended for 12 months
0
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).
0
Fine up to €50,000 for driver (plus implementation of previously suspended amount).
0
Fine up to €50,000 for driver (plus implementation of previously suspended amount).
0
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.
0
Fine up to €60,000 for driver.
0
Fine up to €60,000 for driver.
0
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)
PP
During a Sprint Session or Race
PP
** 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.
Source: Autosport