Ferrari announced during the summer break that it plans to take a “significant step” in the performance of its engine by developing its engine further during the half of the season.
According to the regulations, teams are allowed to update the specifications for each of their drive components every year.
Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto previously said the team would not unveil the updated engine until after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza earlier this month.
In the team’s preview of the Russian Grand Prix this weekend, Ferrari announced that Leclerc would be taking the updated engine to the Sochi Autodrom to make his debut on the track.
It is understood that the updated hybrid system’s power gain will be less than 10 horsepower, but will still provide a small boost in the battle with McLaren for third place in the Constructors’ Championship.
This means that Leclerc will have to start the race on Sunday due to a new engine from the end of the grid after losing one of his earlier engines in the accident on the first lap with Lance Stroll in Hungary.
Teammate Carlos Sainz Jr will have to wait to receive the updated hybrid system as part of a staggered approach between drivers.
Ferrari always wanted to avoid having both drivers start the same race from behind, with Leclerc being given priority due to concerns about its energy storage, which was damaged in the same accident in Hungary.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF21 withdraws from the race
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“The main purpose is to gain experience for the 2022 car project,” the team said in its preview.
“A lot of effort was made, both technically and logistically, and in order to be able to use it as quickly as possible, the introduction will be staggered between the drivers.
“Charles will be the first to have the new hybrid system. This decision is a precautionary measure regarding the potential risk of using the battery damaged in his GP accident in Hungary.
“Leclerc will have a brand new unit in Sochi and will start at the end of the network.
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“When the updated hybrid system will be installed in Carlos’ car will be decided after an assessment of the right tradeoff between competitiveness and the impact of the penalty.”
Leclerc isn’t the only driver going to Sochi to be penalized. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will drop three places after being blamed mainly for the accident with F1 title rival Lewis Hamilton two weeks ago at Monza.
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