F1 is considering using ballast as an alternative to grid penalties for drivers who exceed the permitted number of engine components. Ballast is used by a number of other series, both as a form of punishment penalty and also in a bid to level the playing field in the shape of a 'success penalty'. With the current grid penalty system unpopular with drivers and fans, F1's powers that be are looking at alternatives. As seen at a number of races, once the penalties are introduced the starting grid will bear little relation to the order in which drivers finished in qualifying, while drivers that know they are facing grid demotion will often play little part in qualifying, particularly Q2 and...
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