Webber: Take drivers out of the penalty system!

Former F1 driver Mark Webber wants to see teams deprived of Constructors' points rather than drivers hit with grid penalties in the event of engine element changes.

The Formula 1 power unit is covered by a specific allocation of components which, when exceeded during a season result in grid penalties.

A state of affairs which Webber sees as both unfair and complicated, and which should be changed to protect drivers against mechanical problems which occur through no fault of their own. 

"There's too much policing," Webber said.

"I don't want any penalties for a driver that's had nothing to do with it.

"[For example] if a mechanic has put a brake disc in the wrong way, and a driver is at the back of the grid.

"A lot of people don't watch qualifying, they turn on [the TV] and are like, 'why is my favourite driver at the back of the grid?' and so we lose people for that.

"It's hard enough to get the quality at the front of the grid as it is, let alone having guys diluted down the back through no reason of their own, so we don't need all that junk in there."

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The Aussie, who retired from Grand Prix racing at the end of the 2013 season, suggest a simple system where teams would be docked Constructors' points when a mechanical component of the power unit exceeds its authorised limit. 

"Constructors' points, whatever," he said, "Find a way that you don't hurt the driver.

"There have been so many ridiculous penalties over the last five years that the driver has had nothing to do with, and it's had a big impact on how the weekend would have been in terms of entertainment."

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