Saudi Arabian GP: Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz remain optimistic despite engine issues

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were off the pace for Ferrari in both practice sessions at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix; Two Ferraris have taken a new power unit in Jeddah; Watch the Saudi Arabian GP final practice live on Saturday at 1.30pm on Sky Sports F1

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz remain optimistic about their chances at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite ongoing engine problems.

It was confirmed earlier in the week that Leclerc would take a 10-place grid penalty in Jeddah after a technical problem in the season opener in Bahrain saw him retire and use each of the two electronic control systems each driver is allowed to use. campaign, but more bad news to follow.

Shortly after the opening practice session from Friday, the FIA ​​confirmed that Ferrari also took a new power unit, which will not immediately lead to another penalty but could lead to future infringements, and is a reflection of the team’s confidence in its reliability. .

With the new power unit, they then put on a thrilling display on a track that most expected to be closer to early season pacesetters Red Bull than what happened in Bahrain.

Seventh in first practice was Sainz’s highest placing of the day, with Leclerc ninth, ahead of his teammates in the second session, where overnight conditions mirrored Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race. .

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Max Verstappen tops the timesheets in P1 of the Saudi Arabian GP with the final session.

The fact that Ferrari was almost twice behind world champion Max Verstappen led to speculation that he had killed his engine, which Leclerc confirmed after the session.

“I don’t think we’re that bad,” Leclerc said.

“Honestly, the feeling was good, but it was very difficult to read in the performance because everyone was doing different things with strength, weight, etc.

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Despite receiving a 10-place grid penalty, Charles Leclerc is optimistic that Ferrari will perform better at the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“But the feeling is pretty good, and the pace of the race seems to be better than Bahrain so that’s a positive.

“We have quite a bit in the locker. How much? Let’s see.

“I’m sure Red Bull still have something to hide, so we’ll see tomorrow but I think it will be closer than it is now.”

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Oscar Piastri found the entire track blocked during a flying lap in P2 of the Saudi Arabian GP.

Despite Ferrari’s engine being underpowered, Leclerc complained during the second practice session of an apparent problem, but later said there was “nothing wrong”.

“There were a few times when I went up on curbs that didn’t make the engine in the best conditions, so I complained just to make sure everything was fine.”

Sainz: ‘Our current position does not reflect our true pace’

Sainz said on Thursday that Ferrari was in a “bad situation”, and confirmation that he was also getting a new engine on Friday added context to his comments.

The Spaniard, whose Ferrari hopes to challenge Red Bull – and beat Aston Martin and Mercedes – were given a Leclerc box penalty, is also optimistic about the car’s pace.

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Karun Chandhok updates us on the track changes for this year’s Saudi Arabian GP at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

“I think it’s closer than Bahrain,” said Sainz, who finished fourth behind the Red Bulls and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in the season opener.

“Our current position does not reflect our true pace.

“We look competitive in the long run, so I’m more positive about the weekend.

“Red Bull is the clear favourite, but Aston Martin and Mercedes are with us in terms of pace.

“The overall feeling, I think it’s closer. If it’s enough on the podium or the battle at the top, we’ll see on Sunday.”

‘Ferrari will fight for pole’

Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok says he expects Ferrari to be on pole on Saturday, although he admits their start to the season has not been ideal.

“His fans beat him a lot last year and everyone is hoping this year will start differently, and it hasn’t been long,” Chandhok said.

Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player

Relive Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen’s epic battle for victory at the Jeddah Circuit in 2022.

“I think that Ferrari is constantly.

“I expect him, of course in qualifying, to be right in the fight for pole position. What happens in the race, we will see when time opens.

Sky Sports F1’s Damon Hill added: “It’s a shame, isn’t it? You can build the best car in the world but if it doesn’t have a motor, it can’t go anywhere.”

Formula 1 street racing is back! Watch the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race are live at 5 p.m. Get Sky Sports