David Coulthard believes that grid penalties for exceeding the permitted number of engine components should be removed from the regulations. Currently, drivers are only allowed to use a limited number of components per season, after which a grid penalty follows if that limit is exceeded. Teams cleverly exploit this by installing extra components precisely on circuits where overtaking is easy. Coulthard cites the recent Belgian GP as an example.
Read more Hungarian GP debut for long-awaited Aston Martin upgrades: ‘The future is bright’
According to Coulthard, the FIA’s approach to engine components is outdated and the system no longer fits modern Formula 1. He points out that teams are now strategically using the penalties, which has largely lost the original purpose of the rule. The Scot therefore advocates for abolishing the current penalty system.
Bygone Era
“I still think we need to critically review all those penalties,” he reacted in the Up To Speed podcast. “I think this goes back to a bygone era, where people tried to encourage teams to build reliable cars. Ultimately, everyone benefits from reliability.” According to him, the fact that the rules now have the opposite effect became clear during the Belgian GP. Coulthard pointed out that both Isack Hadjar and Lando Norris, despite a grid penalty, drove impressive recovery races and still scored many points.
Read more FIA summons F1 drivers during Hungarian GP, stewards’ actions under scrutiny
“A grid penalty gave Hadjar the chance to pit early and continue on the hard tire, after which he drove a brilliant race,” he noted. “He made optimal use of his car’s speed and finished sixth. Norris might also have been able to pit under the virtual safety car, but he didn’t. Nevertheless, he still managed to finish seventh. They were two strong races.”
Read more Alex Albon drives hundredth Grand Prix for Williams: ‘Proud of how far we have come’
Read all about the Hungarian GP here
