Sainz drives with a new engine at the Grand Prix of Imola

Carlos Sainz has not come out of the Australian Grand Prix entirely unscathed. As a precaution, the Spaniard has to come into action in Imola with a new engine.

For Sainz, the weekend in Melbourne was one to forget quickly. The Ferrari driver had bad luck on Saturday with a red flag during his first run in Q3, then had a problem in the garage prior to his second run and as a result, didn't get further than ninth place. Starting on the hard tire didn't prove to be a masterstroke for the race either and with all that frustration Sainz made a mistake himself and spun out of the race.

That spin also has implications for the Imola Grand Prix, as Sainz confirmed at the press conference that he will be in action with a second engine. The first engine is being kept aside as a precaution, but could possibly be used again in the future if it doesn't turn out to have any major problems.

Sainz will have to chase his teammate in Italy. His retirement has increased the gap to Charles Leclerc to 38 points. With the F1-75, Sainz has a unique opportunity to really compete for the world title, but he will have to take advantage of it quickly to avoid ending up in a role as second driver.