Kevin Magnussen's Italian GP Penalty Sparks Debate

Kevin Magnussen's Italian Grand Prix Incident

Kevin Magnussen can be forgiven for feeling aggrieved by the manner in which he received a one-race ban at the Italian Grand Prix, following his minor incident with Pierre Gasly at the Variante della Roggia. In attempting to put a move on Gasly at the Turn 4-5 chicane, the Dane locked up and made wheel-to-wheel contact with the Alpine; Gasly took to the run-off to evade heavier contact in the fight over 14th place. For this, Magnussen was not only hit with a 10-second penalty but also the critical two points to his superlicence that took his tally up to 12 - immediately pinging him for a race ban at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Is the Penalty Justified?

This is not a takedown of Formula 1's current driver penalty system. The 12-superlicence-points-for-a-ban solution has its foibles, sure, but it's a good way of punishing consistent dangerous driving. Points are rarely given out for misdemeanours; they are often for clashes and repeated infractions. However, the application of the rules can vary depending on the stewards present, which raises concerns about inconsistency. Precedent is often used, but equating Magnussen's incident with other examples suggests that it is minor by comparison.

Comparative Penalties

• Nico Hulkenberg received the same penalty - 10 seconds plus two penalty points - for his slide tackle on Yuki Tsunoda earlier in the race.
• Magnussen himself got the two points for taking Logan Sargeant out in Miami.
• These incidents demonstrate a breach of the FIA's criterion that the overtaking car should exercise caution.