Is it time for a 'failing to compete' fine / penalty

[Hugh Jarce]

I know I have posted this as a sub-comment on another thread - but its something that is bugging me - so forgive me for starting a new one with this. Perhaps it is worth discussion / talking about.

What if the teams and or drivers were given a very hefty fine or big points deduction is they 'back off' during a race. I know there are rules and sub-rule that could be quoted as being sufficient to cope with this, but why not make it blantently clear as in gee gee racing?

In horse racing this happens if the Stewards (who have the authority) deem a jockey not to have tried his/her best or put the horse at a deliberate disadvantage.

Now, I can anticpate the comments coming:

'How can you tell if it is really happening?'
'What if the engine is cutting out or transmission going?'

TRUE.

But there are tech readouts to prove such things if the accussed wish to clear their name. And, such a rule need only really be applied to prevemnt such obvious team tactics as we saw on Sunday.

I mean something has to be done.