F1NEWS: Ferrari Faces Potential Setback as Leclerc Nears Penalty

Ferrari Faces Potential Setback as Leclerc Nears Grid Penalty Ahead of Las Vegas GP

Ferrari is facing a potential setback ahead of the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc on the verge of a grid penalty due to exceeding engine component limits. As the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its end, the Monegasque driver is in a precarious position with just three races remaining. Leclerc has already reached the limit on several critical power unit components, putting him at risk of a costly penalty in a crucial race for Ferrari.

Leclerc’s current predicament stems from the fact that he is approaching the maximum number of engine components allowed under F1 regulations. Since the Dutch Grand Prix, where he took his fourth and final power unit, Leclerc has been walking a tightrope, hoping to avoid the need for a fifth power unit. The issue extends across a range of parts, including the internal combustion engine (ICE), turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, and control electronics, all of which are now at their maximum permitted usage for the season. Only his exhaust units remain with some spare allocation, offering Ferrari a slight cushion in that area.

Ferrari’s concern is compounded by the fact that Leclerc’s current ICE has already been used for seven Grands Prix, including two Sprint events, pushing the limits of its reliability. Given this, it’s increasingly likely that Ferrari may have to fit a new power unit, which would automatically incur a grid penalty for Leclerc. With only three races left on the calendar, including Las Vegas, Ferrari will need to weigh the risk of Leclerc’s engine failing mid-race versus taking the penalty and starting further down the grid.

Speaking after the Brazilian Grand Prix, Leclerc acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about Ferrari’s prospects in Las Vegas. “We’ll take the small positive from Brazil, which is that we scored a few points, and seeing how quick the McLarens were, to be ahead of both of them and only lose four points in the Constructors’ Championship has to be considered a pretty good day,” he said. Leclerc also expressed hope that Ferrari could avoid a penalty in Las Vegas, saying, “In Las Vegas, I hope we will be very strong and not have to take a penalty there.”

Las Vegas marks one of the final opportunities for Leclerc and Ferrari to score valuable points as they look to secure their position in the Constructors’ Championship. Currently locked in a tight battle with McLaren, Ferrari’s ability to minimize the damage from any potential penalty will be critical. However, if a grid drop becomes inevitable, Leclerc may still find some solace in the layout of the Las Vegas circuit, which has proven to offer ample overtaking opportunities.

Last season’s Las Vegas Grand Prix saw 82 overtakes, and Leclerc himself pulled off a memorable last-lap pass on Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to secure second place. While starting further back on the grid would certainly be a disadvantage, Leclerc’s proven ability to make up positions could help mitigate the impact of a penalty.

Ferrari’s engineers will be working diligently in the lead-up to the race to assess whether Leclerc’s current power unit can last another full race weekend. With high-speed straights and the unpredictable nature of street circuits, any mechanical issues could jeopardize his chances of a strong result. The decision to introduce a new engine will ultimately depend on whether the team feels it’s worth the risk to push the current unit to its absolute limits.

As Ferrari heads into Las Vegas, they will be hoping to avoid further complications and focus on delivering a strong performance. Whether or not Leclerc has to take a grid penalty, the team will need to maximize their opportunities in what promises to be a crucial weekend for their championship aspirations.