Ferrari replaced batteries on both SF-23 cars before Lusail race | 2023 F1 Qatar GP. Ferrari replaced batteries on both SF-23 cars before F1 Qatar GP.

A small behind-the-scenes story regarding the Maranello team in the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix concerns the use of Power Unit components at the Lusail International Circuit. Indeed, on both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s SF-23 cars, the battery packs were replaced after the Sprint Race in preparation for the Sunday Grand Prix, as later confirmed by Team Principal Frederic Vasseur in his post-race interviews.

This decision became necessary because both drivers encountered some technical issues during the Sprint event on Saturday evening. The batteries have been sent back to Maranello and will undergo a thorough analysis in the coming hours to determine whether they can be reused, as a temporary malfunction is suspected by the Ferrari engineers, or if they need to be replaced. Specifically, Carlos Sainz experienced a minor problem during the first lap, while Charles Leclerc had difficulties with the energy deployment when relaunching after the Safety Car period.

In Ferrari, the intention was to minimize any risks to compete with Mercedes on a track that was challenging for the SF-23, where they needed to limit any potential damage. Unfortunately, a new and more significant issue forced the Spanish driver to retire even before the start of the Main Race. During the engine startup in Ferrari, a significant fuel system leak was detected. Sadly, regulations only permit fuel to be loaded into the car a few hours before the race, which rendered the mechanics unable to repair the damage, despite their efforts, and left car number 55 stranded in the pits. “It’s difficult to tell if it’s related to the curbs because we haven’t removed the fuel tank yet,” Frederic Vasseur mentioned after the race. More information will be available in the coming days.

Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!