Lauda slams 'bullsh*t' time penalties

Mercedes executive chairman Niki Lauda has furiously lambasted the 'bullsh*t' penalties which were given to certain drivers last season, and also claimed that the current format of penalising is hampering competition between the performers out on the Formula One track.

Various fines were handed out to drivers last season, but it was a particular incident involving Max Verstappen overtaking Kimi Raikkonen off the track, only to be penalised, which left fans and team members alike slamming the decision as inconsistent.

Lauda thinks that the circuits themselves have developed well over the years, but thinks drivers should not be curtailed during races by fines and penalties.

“First of all, the circuits have had the right development over the last 30 years," Lauda told F1 Racing.

“This was the way F1 had to go, there’s no question about it. But all this bullshit of penalties if you go over a white line or whatever, I hate.

“It’s completely wrong, stops the guys racing, and gives an opportunity for other drivers to complain. So then immediately someone passes them, they come on the radio and say ‘he passed the white line!’ Are you guys nuts?

“Use every road you can pass, because the best guys are racing and if the FIA doesn’t like it, then build kerbs. If there are no kerbs let them race, don’t penalise anybody.

“Let them race. Don’t interfere. It’s an FIA problem and I’ve spoken to Charlie [Whiting] a hundred times – and open things up.”

One huge change coming in F1 is the introduction of the halo device which is designed to protect the head of the driver from potential falling debris after a crash. However, Lauda thinks drivers who are not prepared for the danger should stay at home.

“I’m completely against the Halo,” he added.

“No one is forcing drivers into racing, you have to decide before, do you want to do this or not?

“These guys are the best in the world and those who can’t take it need to stay at home. Therefore, I don’t like this development and if it keeps on going, no one will watch F1 because the drivers will not be heroes anymore.”