from 2023 there should be 4 and the penalty will not be served on the grid – OA Sport

Even though we are in the middle of the well-deserved winter holidays, within Formula One there is a lot that is boiling. The already very extensive (and often difficult to understand for the public) regulation of the highest category of motorsportcould receive important tweaks in view of the World Cup 2023. In recent days we have talked about the possibility of cancel the best time in qualifying for those who experience a red flag, but they will be evaluated in the next few hours numerous novelties.

During this week, in fact, he will meet again in Bologna Formula 1 commission and a point on the agenda of capital importance will be the Power Unit management. As reported by motorsport.com, in fact, in this championship only 5 drivers (all Mercedes) were able to finish the year without penalties related to this aspect. For many others, powered by Ferrari in the first place, the engines have been changed profusely, also in a sort of “test” with a view to the future.

The regulation in force, as we know, is particularly rigid and only 3 Power Units spread across 22 races (next year it will even be 24 if the canceled Chinese Grand Prix can be replaced) they are really too few, listening to the various stables. But, on the other hand, for many this choice could represent a strategic issue rather than a task. How can we forget the “ad hoc” engine designed for Lewis Hamilton in the last four outings of the 2021 season, with sensational power and reduced mileage precisely to make the most of that final rush?

F1, Carlos Sainz: “Proud of my journey, the year in which I learned the most from my debut”

So what will the FIA ​​do? First will try to make this regulation more understandablesecondly will do anything for avoid revolutionized starting grids for those who run into penalties, with episodes such as the Italian Grand Prix with a real chaos in terms of positions in the grid, compared to the result of qualifying.

In particular, what are the possible options? There is no shortage of ideas on the table: for example, one could be inserted penalties to be served during the race, more precisely during the pit stop. An extra time in which to stand still before changing tyres, instead of being relegated to the grid. Not only that, another not insignificant possibility could be the ban on using a replaced Power Unit again. Until now, in fact, many drivers went back to mounting the “old” engines during free practice. From now on it may no longer be allowed and, objectively, it would change the cards on the table a lot. It also seems very likely that the increase in tenders could lead to the availability of four Power Units per season.

Photo: LPS Antonin Vincent