Friday in Abu Dhabi turns into a nightmare for Ferrari and Charles Leclerc. With the grid penalty now confirmed, speculation grows about a radical decision regarding the SF-24’s engine in a desperate bid to fight back.
The first free practice session (FP1) threatens to derail Ferrari’s critical weekend. In a shocking turn of events for the Tifosi, Charles Leclerc’s SF-24 remains off the track for more than half the session due to an Energy Store issue. Despite the mechanics’ efforts to get him out for the latter part of FP1, the damage is already done: the team is forced to replace the Energy Store, incurring an unavoidable penalty for Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver will drop ten grid positions based on his qualifying result. At best, he could start mid-pack from 11th place. However, if he fails to secure pole position, his starting position will drop even further.
Charles Leclerc’s Penalty: Is Ferrari Considering a New Engine?
If this situation unfolds, a proposal circulating among insiders—and quickly gaining traction on social media—is clear: “Would it make sense for Ferrari to replace the entire engine, starting from the pit lane with a race-specific setup to chase an improbable comeback?”
Would such a gamble be worth it for Ferrari? The option will undoubtedly be reviewed by the Scuderia’s strategists, who will consider all scenarios to facilitate Charles Leclerc’s climb. However, this approach may not be ideal. Marc Gene, a Ferrari representative and Sky Italia commentator, shares his doubts. The Spaniard believes that a “comeback” from the pit lane, even with a new power unit and optimized race setup, could prove even more challenging.
The variables—mapping, setups, pros, and cons—are numerous, and the decision requires meticulous analysis. As of now, after Friday’s two practice sessions, there is no indication that Ferrari will replace Charles Leclerc’s entire engine. Much will depend on Saturday’s qualifying result, which will likely dictate Maranello’s final decision.
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