Let's assume that due to Grosjean's rather rash move on Sunday at the Belgian GP, Alonso and/or Hamilton need a replacement gearbox for Italy.
Is it fair that if it is an unscheduled change they should be penalised five grid places?
I know it's difficult to state irrevocably that the failure was caused by the impact, but cause and effect applies.
Alonso and Hamilton have already been penalised in the worst possible way, through no fault of their own, scoring zero points.
Is it not unfair then to penalise them even further at the next race?
The engine issue is trickier as engines can be changed at any time without penalty.
However, if an engine is written off due to the actions of another driver and the maximum permitted number of engines is exceeded, then once again a 10 place grid drop penalty is applied.
I accept it would be difficult to implement and police such a policy, but it's something I have often pondered.
Is it fair that if it is an unscheduled change they should be penalised five grid places?
I know it's difficult to state irrevocably that the failure was caused by the impact, but cause and effect applies.
Alonso and Hamilton have already been penalised in the worst possible way, through no fault of their own, scoring zero points.
Is it not unfair then to penalise them even further at the next race?
The engine issue is trickier as engines can be changed at any time without penalty.
However, if an engine is written off due to the actions of another driver and the maximum permitted number of engines is exceeded, then once again a 10 place grid drop penalty is applied.
I accept it would be difficult to implement and police such a policy, but it's something I have often pondered.