Leclerc might suffer setback in battle with Norris: 'Hope to avoid penalty'
F1 News
- Nicole Mulder
Charles Leclerc may have to worry about a grid penalty during the remaining three races in the 2024 Formula 1 season. The Ferrari driver has reached the limit for several engine parts, as well as the gearbox. He hopes he doesn't have to take a penalty during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Will Leclerc need to take an F1 grid penalty?
Leclerc changed to his fourth and final engine of the Formula 1 season during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. This was round 15 out of 24. The limit has been reached in several engine components, including the combustion engine, turbo, MGU-H, MGU-K, battery and control electronics. The same goes for the number of gearboxes allowed. With three races and a sprint race to go, the Monegasque may have to incur a grid penalty before the end of the F1 season.
"Let's take the positive from Brazil, we scored some points. Considering how fast the McLarens were, it was still a good day to stay ahead of them both and only lose four points in the constructors' championship. In Las Vegas, I hope to be very competitive and avoid a penalty," Leclerc said in conversation with DAZN.
In the Brazil GP, Max Verstappen had to take a grid penalty. With a poor qualifying result, he had to start from 17th on the grid. He worked his way through the field to win. He extended his lead in the World Championship. Leclerc is now hunting Norris for P2. The Ferrari driver is only 24 points behind Norris and will be looking to battle for second place in the closing stages of the season.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton