The penalty point system has been introduced since 2014

Formula 1 will introduce the penalty point system, a penalty system similar to the points-based license to sanction drivers who cause too many accidents: anyone who accumulates more than 12 points will be automatically excluded from the next race.

This proposal has been under discussion since late last year, with a test point system running unofficially this year to evaluate its effectiveness.

This move was made to allow repeat offenders to be targeted: Romain Grosjean's one-race disqualification, after causing a first-corner crash at Spa, is believed to have been motivated in part by his record of crashes in previous races.

Currently, the only cumulative mechanism available is that of reprimands, with the driver who receives three being penalized by 10 places on the grid.

By causing a dangerous collision, the penalty points will be three up to five for the worst accidents.

Lorenza Teti