SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Magnussen faces race ban after Monza clash with Gasly

Kevin Magnussen is on the brink of a Formula 1 race ban after reaching the maximum 12 penalty points on his superlicence.

The Haas driver was penalized following a collision with Pierre Gasly during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which the race stewards deemed to be entirely his fault. The incident, which occurred at the Variante della Roggia chicane, resulted in a 10-second time penalty and an additional two penalty points, pushing Magnussen’s total to the threshold that triggers an automatic one-race ban.

Magnussen’s penalty points have accumulated quickly this season, with incidents in Saudi Arabia, China, and Miami already contributing to his tally. His latest infraction at Monza could see him miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix later this month unless an appeal is successful.

The Danish driver expressed confusion and frustration over the stewards’ decision, particularly in comparison to a separate incident between his teammate Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo, which he felt was treated more leniently despite having more significant consequences.

“I don’t understand it at all, just completely confused,” Magnussen said. “Me and Gasly raced hard into Turn 4… no damage to either car, no consequence to the race of either of us, and I get a 10-second penalty.”

Haas now faces the possibility of competing without Magnussen in Baku. Reserve drivers Ollie Bearman and Pietro Fittipaldi are on standby to fill the gap if necessary. Bearman has already stepped in once this season, covering for Carlos Sainz at Jeddah, while Fittipaldi previously replaced Romain Grosjean after his crash in Bahrain in 2020.

The decision underscores the strict enforcement of driving standards in Formula 1, with Magnussen’s situation serving as a reminder of the consequences for repeated rule violations.