Charles Leclerc is one of six drivers to retire after first lap crash at 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He was hit by sliding Lance Stroll from the right hand side, which forced the Monegasque driver to retire from the race.
After inspecting the car at Maranello, On Tuesday, August 3rd. Ferrari confirms Car No#16’s engine is irreparably damaged and cannot be used again.
So Ferrari expects Leclerc needs to be fitted with fourth ICE sometime in second-half of the season, which will hand him minimum 10 place grid penalty.
Ferrari might choose a track where overtaking will be easy to fit the new engine, they can use their home race 2021 Italian Grand Prix on September 12 to bring new power unit.
Ferrari’s Official Statement confirming Leclerc’s Engine damage
“The accident in which Charles Leclerc was an innocent victim shortly after the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix came at the cost of robbing him of the chance of a great result at the Hungaroring. However, examination of the number 16 SF21 carried out yesterday in Maranello, revealed that on top of this, the engine was irreparably damaged and cannot be used again, following the impact from Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin.
This is a further blow for Scuderia Ferrari and the Monegasque driver. This damage has a financial impact and also racing ramifications, given that over the remaining 12 race weekends this season, it is highly likely the team could be obliged to fit a fourth ICE to Charles’ SF21, thus incurring grid penalties.”
