David Coulthard wants ‘random’ F1 rule scrapped after Lewis Hamilton’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix woes

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has called for engine grid penalties to be scrapped, arguing the regulation is outdated and causes unnecessary randomness. His comments follow the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where widespread engine penalties forced several drivers to start far back on the grid, leaving polesitter Lando Norris as the only driver starting in his actual qualifying position.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton started from the back after taking his fifth and sixth internal combustion engines of the season, ultimately finishing ninth. Coulthard stated on the Up to Speed podcast that while he understands cost-control principles, the current penalty system unduly punishes drivers for mechanical unreliability.