Ferrari has received reassuring news after the Charles Leclerc FP1 problem that brought the Monegasque driver’s opening practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix to an early end. The issue has already been resolved, no power unit replacement was required and Charles Leclerc is expected to return to the track as normal in FP2.
The stoppage caused some initial concern because it came only minutes after Charles Leclerc had set the fastest time of the session. However, the problem is not expected to have any further consequences for Ferrari’s Friday programme at the Hungaroring.
Ferrari resolves Charles Leclerc’s FP1 problem before FP2
According to information obtained by ScuderiaFans.com, the apparent blackout that stopped the SF-26 with only a few minutes remaining before the chequered flag has already been dealt with by Ferrari’s technicians.
Charles Leclerc had entered the pit lane but was unable to complete the journey back to the Ferrari garage under the car’s own power. Despite the unusual nature of the stoppage, the team’s subsequent checks provided reassurance, and the issue is not expected to prevent him from participating in the second practice session.
Further details surrounding what caused Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari to stop in FP1 indicated that the problem was not considered serious and had been fixed before the next track session.
No power unit replacement needed for Charles Leclerc
Although Ferrari’s mechanics carried out work at the rear of the car, we can confirm that the power unit was not necessary.
The unit fitted to the SF-26 was most likely Charles Leclerc’s first power unit of the season. This would be the specification used before the development benefit obtained through the FIA’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, commonly referred to as ADUO.
Ferrari continues to use older power units during opening free practice sessions where possible, allowing the team to limit mileage on newer components intended for the more important competitive sessions. The status of Ferrari’s development allocation is particularly relevant because the team is set to receive no additional ADUO assistance after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The fact that no engine change was required means the late stoppage should not disrupt Charles Leclerc’s power unit allocation or create an immediate concern over potential grid penalties later in the season.
Charles Leclerc fastest ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Before the technical issue, Charles Leclerc had delivered an encouraging performance by finishing at the top of the Hungarian Grand Prix FP1 classification.
The Ferrari driver ended the session 0.484 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and 0.543 seconds clear of his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton, who completed the opening practice hour in third place.
Although Friday practice results do not determine the competitive order for qualifying or the race, the size of Charles Leclerc’s advantage offered Ferrari an encouraging start at a circuit expected to suit several of the SF-26’s strengths. The immediate priority will now be ensuring that the repaired car runs reliably throughout FP2, allowing Charles Leclerc to complete the team’s remaining set-up and long-run programme.
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