Engine penalties will again be a topic in the 2022 Formula 1 season: While much remains the same, there is also a new rule
Drivers will again have to be economical with their engine parts in the 2022 Formula One season. This has been the case for many years and has not changed for the upcoming season in the premier class.
For the fans, basically (almost) everything remains the same as last year: each driver has a certain quota of engine parts at his disposal, which he is not allowed to exceed. If they do, they will be penalised on the grid.
In Formula 1, the permitted engines were limited some time ago to now only three power units. Some individual elements of the power unit are even more restricted.
According to Article 28.2 of the Sporting Regulations, the following are permitted in 2022: three internal combustion engines (ICE), three MGU-Hs, three MGU-Ks, three turbochargers as well as two energy storage units and two control electronics units. In addition, as in 2021, the exhaust system is also restricted. You are allowed to have a total of eight of these in a season.
Should a driver use more engine parts than permitted, he will face a grid penalty according to Article 28.3: ten grid positions for the first additional element, five grid positions for each additional element.
If a driver is penalised more than 15 grid positions in an event, he must start from the very back of the grid.
It is not possible to collect engine parts: If two identical elements with penalties are changed at an event, only the last used element may be used in the future without penalty.
New: Also gearboxes with quota
This has all remained unchanged for the 2021 season. What is new, however, is the regulation of the gearbox: until now, a gearbox had to last six race weekends in a row, but from 2022 onwards, as with the engine elements, each driver will have a certain quota at his disposal
The outer part of the gearbox, i.e. the gearbox casing and cassette, is estimated at four units with 23 races planned. Of the inner elements, i.e. for example the components for gear change and power transmission, four matched sets may also be used.
If a driver exceeds the mark, five grid places are the consequence according to Article 29.2 c) – regardless of whether it was the first or a further transgression.
