How Engine Penalties Are Applied in Formula 1?

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Formula One Forever

6 min readOct 22, 2023

If you are a fan of Formula 1, you may have heard of engine penalties. These are grid penalties that drivers face if they use more than their permitted number of engine components in a season.

First of all, let's understand some basics of the engine components.

What Are Engine Components And How Many Can A Driver Use?

Formula 1 cars use hybrid power units that consist of seven elements:

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H)
Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K)
Turbocharger
Energy store (ES)
Control Electronics (CE) and
Exhaust

Each element has a different function and contributes to the performance and efficiency of the car.

Each driver is allowed to use a limited number of each element in a season without penalty. Here’s a breakdown of the component allocations for the 2023 season:

Four ICEs, MGU-Hs, MGU-Ks, and turbochargers.
Two energy stores and control electronics.
Eight sets of exhaust systems (primary left-hand side, primary right-hand side, secondary LHS, and secondary RHS).

Power Unit Usage and Replacements

Power unit elements are considered “used” once a car leaves the pit lane during an official session. Components are sealed to prevent unauthorized replacements.

Noteworthy points regarding power unit usage:

If multiple elements subject to penalties are introduced, only the last element fitted is eligible for subsequent events without penalties.
If a driver is replaced during the season, the replacement driver is assessed based on the original driver’s power unit usage.
New power unit elements become part of the driver’s “pool” and can be interchanged without penalty.

Ayrton Senna’s McLaren-MP48-Formula-1-Car-Engine

Gearboxes and Restricted-Number Components (RNCs)

Gearboxes are also subject to restrictions in terms of component usage. The gearbox components are divided into gearbox case and cassette, and gearbox driveline, gear change components, and auxiliary components. Here’s an overview:

Each driver has a pool of four gearboxes for the season.
Exceeding the allocation of any gearbox component results in a grid penalty.
First occurrence: 5-place grid penalty.
Repeat offenses: 5-place grid penalty.

What Happens If A Driver Exceeds Their Allocation?

If a driver uses more than their allocated number of any element, they will incur a grid penalty for the next race. The penalty depends on how many elements are exceeded and how many times.

The first time a driver exceeds their allocation of any element, they will get a 10-place grid penalty. For example, if a driver uses their fourth ICE, they will start 10 places lower than their qualifying position.

The second time a driver exceeds their allocation of any element, they will get a 5-place grid penalty. For example, if a driver uses their fourth MGU-H, they will start 5 places lower than their qualifying position.

The penalties are cumulative, meaning that if a driver exceeds their allocation of more than one element at the same time, they will add up. For example, if a driver uses their fourth ICE and their fourth MGU-H, they will start 15 places lower than their qualifying position.

If a driver incurs penalties worth more than 15 places, they will have to start from the back of the grid, regardless of their qualifying position. For example, if a driver uses their fourth ICE, their fourth MGU-H and their fourth turbocharger, they will start from the back.

Why Are Engine Penalties Important?

Engine penalties primarily aimed to control costs. Previously, teams frequently changed engines, leading to significant expenses. The penalties encourage teams to minimize changes and promote economic practices.

Since 2022, an engine freeze has been in effect, locking in power unit components from March 1 and September 1. The freeze will last until the end of the 2025 season.

The purpose is to allow manufacturers to focus on developing new power units for the 2026 regulations. Manufacturers can apply for modifications during the ‘homologation’ period, subject to approval from the FIA.

Engine penalties have a significant impact on the drivers’ and teams’ chances of scoring points and winning races.

Starting from lower positions means having to overtake more cars, which can be difficult and risky on some tracks. It also means being more exposed to traffic, accidents and damage.

Engine penalties can also affect the drivers’ and teams’ strategies for qualifying and racing. Some drivers may choose to take penalties deliberately at certain races where overtaking is easier or where they have less chance of scoring points anyway. Certain circuits, such as Monza and Spa-Francorchamps, are popular for such sweeping component changes due to their layout and long straights.

This way, they can save their engine components for more important races where they have more potential.

Engine penalties can also create some interesting scenarios and surprises on the grid. Sometimes, drivers who qualify well may end up starting behind drivers who qualify poorly but have no penalties.

This can create some exciting battles and overtakes on track.

*Ford Cosworth DFV 3L V8 Formula One Engine*

Final Thoughts

Engine penalties are part of Formula 1’s rules to limit the costs and environmental impact of the sport. They also add an extra layer of challenge and strategy for the drivers and teams.

In the dynamic world of Formula 1, power units and gearboxes are crucial elements that teams must manage strategically. Understanding the component allocations, penalties, and regulations surrounding power units and gearboxes is essential for drivers, teams, and fans alike.

As the 2023 season unfolds, keeping an eye on the power unit and gearbox usage will undoubtedly add another layer of excitement to the F1 experience, and sometimes frustrating if your team gets hit with an engine penalty and is pushed to the back of the grid.

But it's always exciting to see how the race unfolds when your team is trying to overtake the rival teams. After all, overtaking is becoming a lost art in the world of Formula 1.

Feast your eyes on the incredible evolution of Formula 1 engines.

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