'Engine penalties are ridiculous' - Hakkinen

Former F1 driver Mika Hakkinen has waded into the Liberty Media engine debate and has claimed that the regulations will only hinder the sport in the coming season, with the number of parts teams can use being reduced further in an effort to cut costs.

From the beginning of the 2018 season teams will only be allowed to use three power units across the entire campaign, down from this season's four, with the threat of grid penalties if the regulation is not met.

The number of places a driver can drop in the grid has been capped at 15, but it still represents a crippling punishment for a driver and Hakkinen reckons the regulations are in danger of making the sport a farce.

He wrote in his column for Unibet: "Two negative points about Formula 1 in 2017 were the continuing problems concerning track limits and the ridiculous number of grid penalties awarded to drivers as a result of powertrain problems.

"I have made my view on track limits very clear; the lines are there for a good reason and the current drivers should respect them. The alternative is the old, high, kerbs which were very dangerous and could launch a car into the air.

"As for the engine penalties, I know the FIA has simplified the system for 2018, but with the number of permitted engines being reduced from four to three, I can see more problems during the course of a long and very competitive season."

Hakkinen ended his column on a positive note, however, feeling that the other constructors could close the gap to Mercedes to make for a thrilling championship.

He added: "Formula 1 in 2018 promises to be even more competitive. I am sure Mercedes will again be the team to beat, but Ferrari will build on what they learned this year and Red Bull Racing will be joined by McLaren in having a supply of Renault engines.”