F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Source: Getty
The F1 penalty points system was implemented to help prevent the driving standards from falling below a threshold. In the early 2010s, first-lap incidents and collisions happened too often. Furthermore, there were no specific parameters in place that could act as a check against this.
Hence, to improve driving standards, the F1 penalty points system was introduced. As per this system, a driver was handed penalty points for transgressions on track, with the number of points depending on the severity of the transgressions. These points stay with the driver for 12 months before they expire.
If a driver reaches 12 penalty points, he's banned for a race. This season, Kevin Magnussen became the first driver to be banned due to this system.
