MONTREAL ( Associated Press) – Charles Leclerc was penalized for losing 10 places on the starting grid after Ferrari changed his engine ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
An engine failure prevented Leclerc from completing the Azerbaijan Grand Prix held last weekend, when he was leading.
Later, Ferrari indicated that it was impossible to repair the engine.
After Friday’s second practice, the FIA announced that Leclerc had used his third new engine of the year and would be penalized at the start of Sunday’s race.
Yuki Sonoda was also fined 10 places early on Friday after AlphaTauri handed the Japanese driver his fourth engine of the campaign.
Ahead of Friday’s practice, Leclerc admitted that a series of failures this campaign had left him “in a position that is not the best possible” as he faces titles against Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Mexico’s Sergio Pérez. fight for.
Verstappen, winner of five races this season and the current points leader, was the fastest during Friday’s two drills in Montreal. Leclerc finished the day second fastest, just 0.081 behind the Dutchman.
“The location in general is positive”, Monegasque believed.
Leclerc has suffered several setbacks since winning two of the first three races of the season to take the lead in the drivers’ championship.
He had to withdraw from races in Spain and Baku, and failed to convert four pole positions before Sunday’s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Leclerc has dropped to third for the season, behind the Red Bull drivers.
“We obviously cannot hide that it is difficult to let three consecutive races slip away because of problems or mistakes,” said Leclerc. “But as a team, I think we are working very hard to finish these things as quickly as possible.
“I think it is clear to everyone that the motivation is still very high. We are working very hard as a team and we want to get back to victory as soon as possible.”
