How new F1 gearbox rule reduces Saudi Arabian GP crash grid penalty jeopardy

Under the 2022 FIA sporting regulations there is no longer a penalty associated with a change of gearbox after the start of running on a Saturday.

Street and temporary tracks like Jeddah, Melbourne, Monaco, Baku and Montreal – where it’s all too easy to heavily damage a car – are no longer such a tightrope walk for teams and drivers.

Speculation about whether a heavy rear or side impact could trigger a gearbox change and potential a penalty, at least in the early…