F1 Wants to Eliminate Grid Penalties by 2021

Formula 1’s chiefs are hoping to eliminate grid penalties for drivers and teams in the future. However, it will be enforced under exceptional circumstances, especially with the gearbox regulations.

F1 boss Ross Brawn has admitted that he is frustrated with the amount of grid penalties that the drivers cop. He even went as far as to call the present situation a “farce”.

Although there have been some tweaks implemented to simplify the system for 2018, the real focus is on the 2021 season. F1 race director Charlie Whiting said that the aim is to use 2021’s regulations to reduce the number of penalties imposed.

“We would like to get rid of all grid penalties, if we could,” he said. “That’s what we’re working towards.”

Until then, the current gearbox penalty rules will remain in place. However, major changes for the 2021 season are being considered.

So far, F1’s push to limit the number of gearboxes to last six consecutive events has worked well in reducing costs.

But when teams run into trouble, they will be vulnerable to taking a penalty.

So, the FIA are evaluating a proposal to change the rules so that drivers have a total pool of gearboxes to use for the year. The idea is that they can rotate between them and extend the life of the current engine component situation.

FIA director Charlie Whiting said: “There is no need. It is a good system we have.

“If we changed to anything it would be to a pool of gearboxes, like we have a pool of engines.

“So you are only allowed three gearboxes for the year and do what you like with them, but that’s all you will have.

“It is one of the things we’re thinking for 2021. We are introducing a fairly comprehensive package with a number of changes.”