Kevin Magnussen's Formula One Ban Controversy

Kevin Magnussen, Haas Formula One driver, is set to miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after accruing enough penalty points to trigger an automatic race ban. He received a penalty and points for a collision with Pierre Gasly. The ban has sparked debate within the racing community about its fairness.

Kevin Magnussen, a driver for Haas in Formula One, is set to miss the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, becoming the first F1 driver to receive an automatic race ban for accumulated penalty points. Magnussen, leaving Haas at the end of the season, earned a 10-second penalty and two points for causing a collision with Alpine's Pierre Gasly at Monza.

Formula One rules mandate a race suspension for any driver who accrues 12 points within a 12-month period. The last driver to receive such a ban was Romain Grosjean in 2012. Stewards announced that Magnussen's super license is suspended for his next race, after which the points will be cleared.

The 17th round of the 24-race championship takes place in Baku on September 15. Ferrari reserve Oliver Bearman might replace Magnussen, having made his debut for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia this March. Bearman finished seventh in that race.

Magnussen expressed frustration with the penalties, questioning their purpose. Gasly, the other party in the incident, also voiced his support for Magnussen, arguing that the penalties were excessive and calling for reconsideration of the ban.

(With inputs from agencies.)