Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz feels that Formula 1 needs to do some “rethinking” when it comes to the grid penalty system and the way the penalties are applied, taking into consideration the confusion after the qualifying session for the 2022 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
There were nine drivers, including the Spaniard, who received power unit-related or back of the grid’ grid drop penalties ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix. As a result, the final qualifying order was officially confirmed long after the session finished.
In an interview for the Italian media after the Monza race, Carlos Sainz admitted Formula 1 should make this process easier for the fans to understand, while at the same time ensuring the sporting integrity for the Formula 1 teams.
The Ferrari driver explained: “It still shows F1 has some rethinking to do regarding these two or three situations that we find ourselves [in] once or twice every year. [We need] to try and make sure we react well as a sport, we put the sport as a priority and make sure that the show happens in a fair way.”
Just a few weeks ago, there was also a lot of talk when it was suggested that Carlos Sainz’s Maranello teammate Charles Leclerc would be able to exploit a loophole and start the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa in a higher position than other drivers who received a similar penalty. While this was not the case for Charles Leclerc, the FIA admitted that the regulation was unclear and there were several ways to interpret the rules based on each side’s different intentions.
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The issue is the result of the budget cap rules and the strict limitation of the number of power unit components that each team is allowed to use during a season, with the goal of reducing the costs and being more sustainable.
Mercedes’ George Russell also pointed out that its a “double edged sword” but feels there is still room to bring changes for the future.
“It’s a double edged sword. Obviously, we’re trying to be more sustainable in F1, cutting down the number of parts and engines we use across a season with more and more races. Then we have three engines to take us through 22 races, I don’t know how many kilometres that is running flat out on a single engine but it’s a huge amount. It’s normal that there are going to be failures along the way. I’m sure everyone will have a bit of a rethink.” – he concluded.
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