Ferrari to use new engine for Leclerc in Baku

Ferrari has confirmed that Charles Leclerc will likely face a grid penalty at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a power unit change. Following an accident at the Parabolica in Monza, X-ray analysis suggests the damaged engine might be salvageable for use during free practice sessions. However, F1 regulations prevent technicians from starting the unit in the factory to verify its integrity.

To avoid exceeding the seasonal limit for power units, the team plans to introduce a new ADUO 2 specification engine. While the damaged unit may be used for rotation in early practice sessions, the new ADUO 2 engine is expected to be homologated before qualifying. This new specification is estimated to provide a performance gain of approximately two-tenths of a second per lap compared to the previous ADUO 1 version.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur previously indicated that a penalty would be necessary. Leclerc is expected to start from the back of the grid in Baku, a circuit that offers significant overtaking opportunities due to its long straight.