Leclerc: Old Ferrari Engine Cost Me in Madrid Qualifying

Charles Leclerc believes Ferrari’s decision to stick with an older power unit specification in Madrid cost him a shot at pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Monegasque had looked like Mercedes’ main threat through practice, but ended up fifth on the grid, 0.195s off the top spot. While he called his lap “quite clean,” he suspects the performance picture shifted because most rivals brought newer engines for qualifying.

Why it matters:

Leclerc’s power unit situation stems from his heavy crash at Monza. Ferrari switched him to the older ADUO 1 spec this weekend because there wasn’t enough time to fully check the ADUO 2 unit he used in Italy. If that engine is deemed damaged, Leclerc could face a fresh power unit later in the year and grid penalties.

The details:

• Leclerc says most rivals stepped up with a new or newer power unit spec, while he stayed on the same version.
• He lost around four tenths in the first sector of his fast lap, but doubts it was all straight-line power deficit.
• Ferrari is still running checks on the crashed Monza engine at Maranello, with early signs positive but no final decision until before Azerbaijan.
• The ADUO 2 unit is understood to feature an improved turbo for extra power.

What's next:

Leclerc admitted he isn't sure if he'll need another fresh power unit before the season ends. Ferrari will complete its analysis of the Monza engine ahead of the next race, and that verdict will shape the rest of his campaign.