Pierre Gasly feels that it's "quite embarrassing" for him to be on the verge of an F1 race ban due to the FIA's penalty points system.
Gasly was on the receiving end of a succession ofstewards' decisions in Japan, Austin and Mexico, the results of which have left him just two points shy of the fatal 12-point tally that automatically triggers a one-race suspension.
A driver's running total is reset every twelve months on a rolling basis, but unfortunately, Gasly will need to be on his best behaviour until May 22 of next year, or seven races in to the 2023 season!
"I am not going to lie, it is a very unpleasant situation and quite delicate," Gasly told the media ahead of this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.
"In some ways, it is also quite embarrassing to be in a situation where I could be banned for a race after the season I have done, and I don't really feel I've been particularly dangerous over these past 12 months.
"It would definitely be a harsh penalty, and there has been a lot of discussion with the FIA to try and find a solution [going forward].
"I want to finish the season in the best way with AlphaTauri, and I want to do all the races in 2023 and get the maximum chances to perform for Alpine.
"There is a lot at stake because no-one knows what is going to happen in 2023.
"I could end up with an amazing car, fighting for the championship for example and I can't take the risk to be banned for a race and lose all my hopes for the championship.
"It is a very tricky situation."
Gasly's misdemeanors out on track ranged from causing a collision to exceeding track limits, speeding under red flag conditions, forcing another driver off the track and falling too far behind the Safety Car.
The future Alpine charger said that he has discussed with the FIA the sometimes-benign nature of specific transgressions that have earned him a harsh punishment.
"I've been discussing quite a lot with the FIA to try and find solutions, because the way the regulations are written at the moment, it is quite strict on the drivers," he said.
"There are quite harsh penalties, even though it is not always related to dangerous driving and definitely the penalties have a massive reflection on the team and the Drivers' Championship.
"I hope we are going to have more conversations and can find a solution this weekend to avoid ending up in a silly situation where I'll be banned for a race and that will be terrible for myself.
"It is not the way I saw [F1] growing up and don't think it is the correct approach.
"Because I can't really go into next year only two points [off a ban] and that risk hanging over my head."
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