Drive-through Penalty

Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing FW44 leaves the pits. Belgian Grand Prix, Saturday 27th August 2022. Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

A drive-through penalty in Formula 1 racing is a penalty issued to a driver for breaking certain rules during a race. This penalty is given when a driver is deemed to have committed an infraction that is serious enough to warrant a time penalty, but not severe enough to warrant a more severe penalty such as a stop-and-go penalty or disqualification.

The drive-through penalty is typically given for minor infractions such as jumping the start of the race, passing under a yellow flag, or causing a collision. When a driver receives a drive-through penalty, they must drive through the pit lane at a reduced speed, without stopping or changing tires. This penalty typically results in a loss of time for the driver, as they must slow down and navigate through the pit lane, which is typically slower than the race track.

The drive-through penalty is considered to be a more lenient penalty than a stop-and-go penalty, as it does not require the driver to stop and lose more time. However, it is still considered a serious penalty as it can significantly impact a driver's race results and overall standings.

Overall, the drive-through penalty is a way for the race officials to enforce rules and regulations during a Formula 1 race, and to ensure that all drivers compete fairly and safely. It serves as a deterrent for drivers to not break the rules and can have a major impact on the outcome of the race.