Penalty risk for Charles Leclerc in Las Vegas: here's why and what Ferrari can do to avoid it
11/11/2024 11:36 AM
Ferrari is on edge over Charles Leclerc's situation: the Monegasque driver risks a penalty at the next round of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This situation seems unavoidable, although the timing is poor with only three races left in the season and Ferrari still deep in the fight for the Constructors’ title.
Charles Leclerc used his fourth and final power unit available during the Dutch Grand Prix. He is also at the limit with all engine components: internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, and Control Electronics. Additionally, he has reached the maximum allowed limit of five units for the gearbox.
This means that the next time he installs a new engine, he will have to take a grid penalty. Charles Leclerc was aware of this risk.
Speaking to DAZN during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, the Ferrari driver highlighted the positives of the rainy weekend, with his fifth-place finish ahead of the McLarens. "Losing only four points in the Constructors’ Championship must be considered a fairly positive day," he stated before adding, "In Las Vegas, I hope we'll be very strong and won't have to take penalties."
The Strip's street circuit is expected to favor Ferrari, as Frederic Vasseur previously indicated. Last year, Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line in second place thanks to a last-lap pass on Sergio Pérez.
With three races left in the 2024 Formula 1 season, Ferrari is 36 points behind McLaren. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc could end the year on a high note with a second-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship, as he is now just 24 points behind Lando Norris.
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