Formula One teams were previously required to take gearbox penalties if they changed their units before a certain number of races, but why have the rules changed in F1 2022
F1 gearboxes have eight gears for drivers to choose from, as well as neutral and reverse – although these are rarely used.
F1 2022 Gearbox Rules Change And Penalty
Drivers will strive to maintain their gearboxes, as losing a gear or two can usually mean the end of a race – although Ayrton Senna famously won the 1991 Brazilian GP after his McLaren became stuck in sixth in wet conditions.
Previously, gearboxes had to complete six races before being replaced. If a driver crashes out or can demonstrate legitimate DNF reasons to the FIA, they can then change for the next event, resuming the six-race cycle.
However, the rules for F1 gearboxes have changed for 2022, which means drivers will no longer face penalties. Why is this the case?
Check out the new penalty rules for gearbox change In F1 that have changed for the 2022 Season.
New Gear box rules for F1 2022
Whereas previous units had to last six Grand Prix events, drivers can now change their gearbox at any time. F1 drivers and teams now have a pool of gearboxes from which to choose at each race, similar to how they use engine components.
Because top speed isn’t the goal at races like Monaco, you’ll put in more worn components before going for new ones at high-speed tracks like Azerbaijan or Canada.
The new F1 gearbox rules limit drivers to four gearbox options to choose from throughout the season. It means that teams and drivers can now select both the inner workings and the outer casings as separate components.
The penalty still exists
This is why Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz Jr were able to avoid penalties for changing gearboxes following their crash in qualifying at the Monaco GP.
If a driver exceeds the new F1 gear box rules limit of four components, they will still receive the standard five-place grid drop.
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