Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

It was penalties galore in 2015!

The number of penalties issued to drivers in 2015 easily surpassed previous seasons' sanctions as it exceeded 100 for the very first time, according to website F1 Fanatic.

Of course, the figure was boosted early on by penalties linked to power unit component changes associated with the highly unreliable Renault and Honda engines.

On the other hand, the number of penalties and fines imposed on drivers for infringements was largely unchanged compared to the 2015 season.

Unsurprisingly, McLaren-Honda drivers collected a total of 310 grid penalties in 2015, while the Renault-powered Red Bull drivers were demoted 125 spots over the course of the year.

Formula 1's stewards also had their work cut out for them in 2015 as they investigated 163 incidents, more than two-and-a-half times as many as there were in 2011.

Recently, F1 teams have called upon stewards to adopt a more lenient approach in 2016 in order to alleviate the fears of many drivers who show excessive restrain, notably in overtaking maneuvers, for fear of receiving a penalty.

Scene at the Pirelli wet tyre test

Force India winter diary part three - Sporting Director

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.