F1 drivers and principals call for overhaul of penalty system

A number of F1 drivers and team principals are calling for the overhaul of Formula 1's penalty system which sees drivers get penalised for technical problems and failures, resulting in a grid drop ahead of a grand prix. 

This issue was first addressed by former Red Bull driver Mark Webber, who said that "A lot of people turn on the TV for the race and say 'Why is my favorite driver at the back?' We lose people just for that." The Australian suggested that a loss of points for a team in the Constructors' Championship may be a more appropriate punishment as opposed a grid drop for the affected driver. 

Haas F1's Kevin Magnussen agreed with Webber on this matter: "If there is an engine failure the blame is more on the team's side, so I think taking a constructor point or something could be looked at," he said. 

This follows the Austrian Grand Prix, which saw Lewis Hamilton receive a five-place grid penalty for an unscheduled gearbox change prior to the race. This penalty saw Hamilton start in eighth place after qualifying in third, damaging his chances in the race and resulting in Sebastian Vettel extending his championship lead over the Briton.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also spoke on the matter: "Penalties in general affect the world championship in too great a way. I always want the one who is the fastest to be able to win the race, so I believe technical failures should not so severely penalize the drivers. On the other hand, the situation can't get out of control, because if no one is penalized, we will always be changing the gearbox, engine and so on. But I hope that with an experienced guy like Ross Brawn in charge, there will be some decisions to change the situation."

Chris Soulsby