More bad news for Ferrari? 'Start from the back in France'
Rumors
- GPblog.com
According to a report from Spanish media, Sainz has been forced to use a fourth engine for the French Grand Prix, meaning he will have to start from the back of the field during the race. The news is not entirely unexpected after his car caught fire in Austria.
The Austrian Grand Prix was a dramatic one for Sainz. The Spaniard was on his way to a podium finish with P2, but in the closing stages of the race the Ferrari engine broke down. The Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Sainz will have to change engines in France and will therefore start from the back of the grid. As it is his fourth engine, he will have to accept a hefty grid penalty. The improved specification will only be introduced at Spa or Monza, where Sainz will then receive another grid penalty.
Ferrari engines are at limit
A huge fire broke out after his engine failed, rendering it unusable, according to Marca. Ferrari could look at the current pool of engines, but the Spanish magazine claims the other engines are already at the limit in terms of mileage. At the Paul Ricard circuit that is not an option. Ferrari had hoped to make it through the summer break without a fourth engine, but instead, Sainz is now getting a new engine of the same specification that still has reliability issues.
Sainz' retirement also deals a blow to the championship. The Spaniard is now 75 points behind Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship. The difference with teammate Charles Leclerc is 37 points.