The FIA is set to introduce a new regulation which will penalise any driver that receives three or more reprimands during a season, according to journalist Adam Cooper.
Many have questioned the point of reprimands as the recipient receives no actual penalty, just a stern telling-off by the stewards, therefore the ‘so-called-penalty’ isn’t much of a deterrent.
The Spanish Grand Prix saw four such reprimands; Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Jaime Alguersuari were all called before the stewarding panel after they were caught speeding under yellow flags.
From the British GP onwards, any driver who receives three or more strikes will be given a five-place grid penalty at the following event – though at least two of the offences must be as a result of breaking a regulation whilst driving.
Reprimands can be given out for a whole host of errors, including being late for the driver press conference or misbehaving.
The rule will need to be signed-off by the World Motor Sport Council, which it’s thought will be a mere formaility. When it has been, all drivers will start from scratch.
