Charles Leclerc may face a grid penalty after using both available energy stores before the end of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Only one race in, Charles Leclerc has already had a tough start to the 2023 Formula 1 season.
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From abandoning his last flying lap in Qualifying due to team orders to preserve tyres for the race, to having to replace his SF-23’s energy store after qualifying after analysing data from his power unit; this alone would classify as a rocky start to the season.
However, the biggest blow to Ferrari’s confidence for the upcoming season came in the form of Leclerc’s DNF on the 40th lap of the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix – which was due to an energy store and control unit failure. Not only did this cost him a probable podium finish behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, but it has given him a potential grid penalty.
Why is he facing a grid penalty in Saudi Arabia?
Drivers are only allowed two energy stores per season, and after only one race, Leclerc has used both of his already. The energy store used during the race cannot be recovered, meaning that Leclerc could face a 10-place grid penalty if the original energy store, used for testing, practice and qualifying, is also deemed unfit for use.
If Ferrari have to replace Leclerc’s energy store for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, then he will have to serve his grid penalty in Saudi Arabia.
With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix taking place on 17-19 March, Ferrari will be looking to bounce back from these issues and show how strong they really are this season.
Here’s hoping Ferrari can, for the sake of the championship!
Image courtesy of Joe Portlock – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
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