Formula 1 to do away with grid penalties under 2021 guidelines

Formula 1 is all set for a paradigm shift as the new 2021 guidelines will soon be finalised and we would completely move into the ‘Liberty Media’ era.

And whilst traditional F1 fans are worried that Liberty would ‘americanise’ the sport a little too much, it seems like F1 and Liberty are coming up with good amendment in order to deal with the ‘technical aspect’ of the sport.

Ross Brawn has confirmed that F1 would like to get rid off the stringent engine components and gearbox rules.

Charlie Whiting, F1 race director wants to leverage these 2021 rules to bring an end to this ‘farce’. Authorities want the number of penalties imposed on drivers to be reduced so that a more competitive environment can be fostered.

We would like to get rid of all grid penalties, if we could,” he said as quoted by Motorsport.com

“That’s what we’re working towards.” he added.

The gearbox penalty rules have brought about a cost reduction in the sport, but teams sometimes find themselves helpless when they run into trouble.

Whiting feels that the gearbox rules are fine for the moment, but conceded that they could change to a pool of gearboxes format, similar to what they have done with engines.

“It is a good system we have.

“I think 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.” Whiting concluded.