F1 in 2023: Are New Grid Penalties Coming The Drivers’ Way?

F1 in 2023 could really prove to be the complex sport we know it as. So why’s that and what possible rules or regulations may have led to such a thing?

For starters- here’s some context that can no longer be avoided. For a sport so essentially steeped in speed, it’s the complicated part about F1 that sticks out.

And often, rather painfully. So how is that?

Penalties- what else! Grid penalties, anyone?

It is not even surprising that among the things that go on to make the fastest form of motor-racing a standout is the concept of fines and penalties and when things even worse, then, bans.

The more power units you use to drive home performance, the larger your risk of running into a grid penalty. It’s common. It happens to the best of the grid and least it is forgotten, many a time for the worst or not the fastest shall we say.

Not really difficult to understand, isn’t it?

In some ways, therefore, grid penalties are a neutraliser of sorts in that it makes the back-breakingly fast-paced sport a level playing field.

But having said that, what might F1 in 2023 be all about? And how are grid penalties going to shape the sport that is already shaped by speed, talent and a system of reprimands that may not always be all that clear.

Let us, without any ado, jump into the concept of grid penalties where it comes to F1 in 2023. With that being said, new power unit penalties could also playspoilsort, understandably so.

But for now, the following is what one needs to know with regards to the new rules regarding grid penalties in 2023:

1. Replace grid position penalties with in-race penalty for first power unit element changed in an event. This penalty would be served at the first pit stop, with the potential of additional limitations as to the time of its serving. For example, a penalty to be served before a certain lap number in a Grand Prix.
2. For further power unit element changes in the same event, and to avoid strategic additional changes, consider a further deterrent (which is yet to be discussed).
3. Any power unit element replaced would be withdrawn from the pool of available power units.
4. Special provision would be made for the replacement of power unit elements damaged in an accident.
5. As the changes of power unit elements will be more severe, it is suggested to increase of the annual limit of power unit elements by one. For example, teams will be able to use 4 Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) rather than 3.

Fundamentally speaking, F1 in 2023 might truly remind the fan that it is the sport that, besides speed and daring, is often about last minute penalties. Complexities even.

Rather, make that the ad ons that ultimately lift the level of competition that makes the Formula 1 grid a place like no other; a turf where only the eternal battler thrives.

The more units required by a particular driver whether owing to a power unit problem, an accident on the grid caused by a high speed impact or whatever may be the reason, the higher his chances, and hence, that of his team in incurring a grid penalty.

Since one would need a new power unit in the wake of its destruction, damage or some other technical fault.

That is how it has been so far.

The new grid penalty rules may make the sport more complex or chart a recurrent theme in what lies ahead.

All of this poses a question that isn’t F1 in 2023 already exciting?