Former F1 driver calls to scrap rule from 'bygone era'

Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes grid penalties for using new power unit components should be removed from the regulations.

Drivers enter every F1 season with a restriction on how many components they can use within their power units before they pick up grid penalties.

Teams have usually taken these grid penalties strategically, fitting elements outside the allocation at track layouts that contain long straights and have a high chance of overtaking so their drivers can rise back through the field.

But Coulthard thinks that the rule is now outdated and does not belong in the current era of F1.

“I still think we should have a bit of a review of all of those penalties,” he told the Up To Speed podcast.

“I think it's going back to a bygone era where they were trying to encourage teams to be reliable. 

“Quickly, it's in everyone's interest to be reliable.”

Lando Norris and Isack Hadjar were two such drivers who were victims of the penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, starting from 13th and 21st respectively.

But having risen through the order rapidly, Coulthard stated it was an admirable drive from both.

“It did give the opportunity for Hadjar who went with the early stop to hards and drove brilliantly thereafter,” he said.

He used the pace of his car to finish sixth. 

“Lando Norris could arguably have stopped under the virtual safety car, he didn't, but nonetheless managed to pick up seventh place.

“So two strong races from those guys.”