FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[darwin dali]

With gearboxes sealed and to be used over four Grand Prix weekends, a change of gearbox will incur a five position penalty on the starting grid.

However, the seals can be ‘broken’ under supervision of the FIA in races two, three and four ahead of qualification for inspection and the changing of ratios. Clutches can be changed without penalty.

[Freddie]

Cool - at least it can mix up the starting grid now and then

[Red Five]

I still don't like that the drivers are penalised for the car's mechanicals failing, the teams should have constructor's points taken away or be fined hard cash.

[darwin dali]

Now THAT's a suggestion! Yes, why not take away constructors points?

[welshie]

Because it hands an advantage to the drivers who have had an engine change. While some drivers will be turning down the revs to preserve the engine, others will be pushing them up knowing that the engine can get changed without penalty.

[darwin dali]

I'm sure this could be overcome with some rules. Say the first couple of engine changes goes to the constructors, then the next couple go to constructors and driver (grid penalty), then the next couple go double points deduction for constructors or whatever scheme...