The spectre of an unprecedented race ban now looms over Sir Lewis Hamilton, as the Mercedes star finds himself on the precipice of a Formula 1 suspension. The seven-time world champion is sitting on 10 penalty points on his FIA super licence—a mere two points away from an automatic one-race ban that would send shockwaves through the sport.
This precarious situation follows a controversial collision with Red Bull's Sergio Perez during the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race, an incident that earned Hamilton a further penalty and intensified scrutiny on his driving conduct. The British racing icon now carries more active penalty points than any other driver on the grid.
The Verstappen Comparison: A Tale of Two Records
In a striking contrast that has not gone unnoticed by pundits and fans alike, Hamilton's current tally stands in sharp opposition to that of his fiercest rival, Max Verstappen. The Red Bull champion, known for his own aggressive style in previous seasons, currently maintains a pristine record with zero penalty points against his name.
This divergence in disciplinary records has ignited heated debates across the Formula 1 community, with many questioning the consistency of penalty applications and whether star drivers face different standards of judgement.
The Countdown to Clean Slate
Hamilton's path to redemption involves a careful navigation of the coming races. The majority of his current penalty points are scheduled to expire in the latter part of the 2024 season, with crucial milestones approaching:
- Four points set to clear after the Mexican Grand Prix in October
- Two points due for removal following the Abu Dhabi finale in November
This timeline means the Mercedes driver must compete flawlessly through several high-pressure events without incurring further sanctions. Any additional infraction before these expiration dates could trigger the automatic ban, potentially costing him crucial championship points and team momentum.
Historical Context and What Comes Next
While several drivers have reached the 12-point threshold in the past, the potential suspension of a driver of Hamilton's stature would represent one of the most significant disciplinary actions in modern Formula 1 history. The FIA's penalty points system, designed to promote cleaner racing and improve safety, now faces its highest-profile test yet.
All eyes will be on Hamilton's performance in the upcoming races as the motorsport world watches to see if the legendary driver can avoid further sanctions and continue his pursuit of an eighth world championship title.
