Kevin Magnussen suspended from next F1 Grand Prix after Monza penalty

By breaching the FIA International Sporting Code once again, Kevin Magnussen was handed a 10-second penalty by the race stewards at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday. The stewards, chaired by Johnny Herbert, also awarded him a 2-point penalty on his super license.

This new penalty brings the total penalty points to 12 out of the 12 allowed. By reaching this limit, Kevin Magnussen is automatically subjected to a race suspension. This will take effect at the next race in Baku, Azerbaijan.

« On the approach to Turn 4, Kevin Magnussen attempted to overtake Pierre Gasly on the inside. Although Kevin Magnussen had his front axle beyond the rearview mirror of car 10, the driving standards guidelines specify that an overtaking car must ‘be driven in a safe and controlled manner throughout the manoeuvre.’ The Stewards determined that this was not the case for car 20, and therefore, the driver was deemed wholly responsible for the collision. Consequently, the standard penalty and penalty points are imposed. »

Kevin Magnussen made an overly ambitious overtaking attempt, as explained by the stewards, and Pierre Gasly had to maneuver to avoid contact with the Haas. However, speaking to Canal+, Pierre Gasly did not feel that this action warranted a penalty: “I didn’t know he was penalized. It might be a bit harsh. Well, we touched, I couldn’t take the corner and I avoided it, but I’m surprised to have received a 10-second penalty for that.”

Article 4.2 of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations states that if a driver reaches 12 points on their super license, they must be suspended for the next race. The FIA explains: « In accordance with Article 4.2 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, as the driver of car 20 has accrued 12 penalty points (see Document 57), the Super License of the driver of car 20 must be suspended for the next competition. »