Last update on. From the section Formula 1
Charles Leclerc ranks sixth in F1 standings
Because of an upgraded engine, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will be starting this weekend's Russian Grand Prix at the back of the grid.
The power-unit's new hybrid system offers a significant performance boost.
Leclerc already has used the maximum number of engines for this season, so any new engine will result in an automatic grid penalty.
Carlos Sainz, his Ferrari teammate, will continue to use the old-specification hybrid systems.
Ferrari says the upgrade engine will be delivered to the Spaniard at a later date. Ferrari states that this will occur after a "compromise between competivity and the impact on the penalty".
Leclerc's car will be fitted with a brand new engine in Sochi this weekend, after one of his battery packs was destroyed in the multi-car pileup at the Hungarian Grand Prix's start last month.
Ferrari says that the use of the new engine with a new battery is a precautionary measure due to the possibility of the battery pack being damaged in Hungary.
Leclerc had been using it since the accident, but his car was short of battery-related parts due to the accident.
The team felt it was logical to give the engine to Leclerc as the new engine was set to be launched this weekend.
According to the team, the main purpose of the hybrid system's final season is "to gain experience for the 2022 vehicle project".
The performance improvement is less than 10 bhp.
