“There needs to be a certain deterrent,” Toto Wolff urges FIA to find alternative solution for the ‘grid penalty’ issue
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Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff has come out to give his take on the issue of grid drops. We saw a bunch of teams taking a grid penalty at Belgium and Spa. This was down to the fact that both these circuits provide the drivers numerous opportunities to overtake. Max Verstappen started from 14th on the grid in the Belgium GP, but was still able to win the race.
There were as many as 9 drivers, who took a grid penalty at Monza. Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton were the noticeable ones. All 4 of them were able to dash through the field in no time and were able to comfortably finish within the Top 10. The reigning world champion started from P7 on the grid and was able to put his Red Bull in the top 2 within 5 laps.
This showed us how effective the engine change can be. This also raised the question as to whether a grid penalty is enough a penalty for such a change. It’s definitely unfair on the other drivers who are on a used engine, forcing them to lap at least 3 tenths slower than the ones on the newer ones. But, Toto Wolff believes that there isn’t a alternative solution for the issue as of now.
Toto Wolff believes FIA should do a better job of handling the grid penalty issue
At the same time, he has urged the governing body to look into the matter and find a solution. In a recent interview, he said, “I think we need to reconsider when the engine cap kicks in, and then that all [excessive grid penalties] goes away. But still, we don’t want to have an arms race on engines being brought.”
“Whatever freedom you give us, we will do it and we will do it even more strategically because it’s only five places or 10 places.“
“We will blow an engine every race because it’s going to be three tenths quicker than the one before. So there needs to be a certain deterrent.”
Mercedes’ Team Principal definitely has a point. There have been a lot of teams which have been manipulating their rule to their advantage. FIA needs to answer this question for all the races to be competitive. What do you guys think about the rule? Tell us in the comment section below.
Also Read: “We will continue to fight for victory,” Ferrari to bring in fresh upgrades to challenge Red Bull
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Shubham Bajpai
(776 Articles Published)