Drivers who accumulate more than 12 penalty points in a 12-month period are in violation of FIA regulations and face a one-race ban.
Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 world driver's championship thanks in no small part to teammate Sergio Perez's heroics at the Abu Dhabi GP.
Sergio Perez was out of a seat until late in 2020 before joining Red Bull Racing as Max Verstappen's teammate this year.
The Dutchman clocked a brilliant 1m22.109s to take his 10th pole position of the season, with Hamilton finishing second 0.371s back.
Max Verstappen was fastest in the first two sectors of his final flying lap but crashed in the final corner after an unfortunate lock up.
Hamilton was able to control the pace at the front of the field after a clinical start from pole position with an indomitable lights-to-flag win.
Hamilton was the first driver out for the second and final runs, and he found even more time, smashing into the 1m20s to take pole.
Hamilton had a fantastic start from P10 on the grid and was clearly on the charge with Bottas who had lost the lead to Verstappen at the start.
A poor start from the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas at the Mexican GP spelled the end of any hopes they may have had of winning the race.
It was a case of mixed emotions for Lewis Hamiton as he finished second in the Mexico Grand Prix on Sunday.