Aston Martin boss: F1 grid penalties too complicated

Mike Krack believes F1's current power unit grid penalty system is too complicated and called for a simpler method.

The subject of F1 grid penalties came to the fore in recent events, with several cars being handed post-qualifying penalties for taking new power unit components.

Under the current F1 regulations, if any driver exceeds their season limit of power unit components (e.g., engine, turbocharger), then they are handed a starting grid penalty based on the number of new components they have used.

Designed as a method of limiting costs, teams frequently aim to intentionally take penalties at tracks where overtaking is comparatively easy, such as Spa-Francorchamps or Monza.

This often results in several drivers taking penalties in one event and generating a starting grid that looks completely different to the qualifying result.

This season's Belgian GP featured the unique scenario of having no drivers starting the race from their original qualifying position, including the driver who finished fastest, Max Verstappen, who started in P14.

Krack calls for 'simpler' penalty system

With a similarly shuffled grid at the Italian GP, many have questioned whether or not the rule is good for the spectacle.

Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has added his name to list of people believing that the system needs a rethink.

"I think the system is complicated for the spectators to understand," Krack told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"For me as well, I was just waiting, and you speculate 'where do we start?', and I think the final grid came quite late.

"I think when cars are not starting where they should, I think for the fans it's an interesting thing.

"Now, does it have to be as complicated as it is? I think we could make it simpler."